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Evolution of Communication: From Ancient Rome to Gutenberg

Explore the historical progression of communication methods from Ancient Rome to the Printing Press era, showcasing the value of free speech and the evolution of media. Learn about influential figures like John Milton and the impact of works like "Cato's Letters" on freedom of the press.

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Evolution of Communication: From Ancient Rome to Gutenberg

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  1. Introduction: Before the American Revolution & Freedom of the Press From Ancient Rome to “Cato’s Letters”

  2. The Value of Communication • How would you receive important information if you could not: • Use any modern technology: phones, computers, TV, or radio • Use electricity or batteries

  3. The Value of Communication • How would you receive important information if you could not: • Acquire a newspaper • Read or write • Easily travel between communities

  4. News by Word of Mouth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueH3ihTN4OI Ancient Rome: The Senate Crier

  5. Ancient Rome actadiurna • Hand-lettered “newspaper”posted on walls of Roman Forum (59 b.c. to 222 a.d.) • Elite used personal correspondents to receive & relay information

  6. Ancient Rome actadiurna • Evidence of a fairly literate society among patricians, wealthy plebians, & some slaves • Latin & Greek

  7. Oral Tradition: • Community elders • Ministers • Minstrels

  8. Before the Printing Press • Elite & clergy employed scribes to produce handwritten books & documents • Very expensive to produce

  9. Before the Printing Press • Knowledge, education mostly limited to upper class • Majority of the common people are illiterate

  10. The Printing Press Johannes Gutenberg (1400-1467) • Inventor of movable type • Birth of mass media • Renaissance, Reformation & scientific revolution • Gutenberg Bible

  11. The Printing Press Social Changes: • Knowledge more easily shared • Popular literature • Printer-merchants gain social prestige • Print shops become gathering places

  12. The Printing Press Social Changes: • Priests interact with scholars • Scholars interact with tradesmen • Church no longer controls theological texts

  13. Press Restrictions King Henry VIII (1491-1547) • Concerned printed word could fuel rebellion • Separated from Catholic Church over divorce • Silenced press

  14. Press Restrictions King Henry VIII (1491-1547) • Agencies oversee printed material: • Stationers’ Company • Court of High Commission • Court of Star Chamber

  15. Press Restrictions British Monarchy • Queen Mary I • 1553-1558 • Queen Elizabeth I • 1558-1603 • King James I • 1603-1625

  16. Freedom of Speech? John Milton (1608-1674) • King Charles I: No pamphlets printed without a license • Authored unlicensed pamphlets

  17. Freedom of Speech? John Milton (1608-1674) • Criticized press control & Church of England • Aeropagitica, 1644 • The “self-righting principle”

  18. Freedom of Speech? Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) • English philosopher • Leviathan, 1651 • Supported rule of monarchy

  19. Freedom of Speech? Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) • Authority & control necessary for social order • State guarantees peace & order • Citizens swear obedience

  20. Freedom of Speech? John Locke (1632-1704) • English Philosopher • A ruler loses the right to rule if community needs are ignored

  21. Freedom of Speech? John Locke (1632-1704) • Government thrives under consent of governed • People have a right to rise up against tyranny

  22. Freedom of Speech? “Cato’s Letters” (1720-1723) • John Trenchard (1662-1723) • Thomas Gordon (1685-1750) • Wrote about religious & personal freedoms • Remained anonymous to avoid prosecution

  23. Freedom of Speech? “Cato’s Letters” (1720-1723) • Libel against government should be unlawful, but not against rulers • Press obligated to expose government corruption

  24. Before Freedom of the Press Conclusion & Review: • Before the printing press • Johannes Gutenberg • British monarchy press restrictions • John Milton • Thomas Hobbes • John Locke • “Cato’s Letters”

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