Do you agree with the view that the print culture created the conditions within which French Revolution occurred? Give arguments in support of your answer.

It is generally agreed that the print culture was responsible for the outbreak of French Revolution. The following arguments are given in support of this view:
(i) Popularisation of ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers: It is stated that print culture popularised the writings of Rousseau, Voltaire and others. These thinkers were against the sacred authority of the church and the despotic power of state. Rousseau’s ideal of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’ become the motto of the revolutionaries. These ideas enlightened the masses.
(ii) New culture and dialogue and debate: With the coming of print culture, people become aware of the power of reason. They started questioning the existing ideas and belifs and authority of the church.
(iii) Criticism of royalty of their morality; New literature criticised royalty for their lavish life style at a time when people were suffering from hunger. Cartoons and caricatures showed that the monarchy was absorbed in sensual pleasures. The ordinary people i.e., peasants, artisans and workers, had a hard time while the nobility enjoyed life and oppressed the poor. Such writings led to the growth of hostile sentiments against the monarchy. It played a significant role by influencing the people to think in different ways and questioning the authority of the monarchs as well as the church.