The growth of a free press
Study note
The years after the Glorious Revolution were also important for the growth of a free press. A free press simply means newspapers and other publications that are not controlled by the government and can print news and opinion independently. This freedom is one of the things that marks out a democracy.
The key date here is 1695. From that year, newspapers in Britain were allowed to operate without needing a licence from the government first. Once that requirement was dropped, the number of newspapers being printed steadily grew, and a wider range of news and ideas reached the public. This was an early step towards the open, independent media that Britain has today.
Memory tip: From 1695 newspapers no longer needed a government licence, so the free press grows.
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Question 1 of 2
From which year were newspapers in Britain allowed to operate without a government licence?
Show all questions and answers for The growth of a free press(2 questions with explanations)
The growth of a free press: questions, answers and explanations
1. From which year were newspapers in Britain allowed to operate without a government licence?
- 1066
- 1918
- 1695
- 1801
Correct answer: 1695
From 1695, newspapers could operate without a government licence, helping the free press grow.
2. A free press means newspapers and publications that are not controlled by the government.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. A free press is independent of government control.
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