18th Century Popular Culture

Popular Literature Designed for those who could barely read

or what was going to be read aloud.– Three main forms:

• Religious and superstitious works• Almanacs• Entertainment – satire, tales, fables.

Oral traditions continued with stories of daily life.

Education Religious wars increased literacy and

education across Europe (particularly in Protestant nations)

Schooling was designed to maintain the social order and piety.

Many peasants opposed sending their children to school when they could help the family work.

Education Education in Western Europe was driven by

demand and the needs of the community. In Prussia and Austria, education became a

state function– Austria – Habsburg General School Ordinance

of 1774.• Schools in every parish.• Train teachers • Education was said to be compulsory

– Prussia – Frederick the Great enacted similar reforms with less enthusiasm.

Recreation The spread of pubs and taverns became

popular. Festivals continued to be of importance. First “spectator sports” become popular.

– Blood sports such as boxing and cock fighting mixed with gambling popular with commoners.

– Horse racing also popular.– Growing separation between elite and masses in

entertainment.