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Description
In this programme Dr. Christopher Harvie discusses the media in 1848. In a closely related radiovision programme (No: 03 'Transport in Europe') he dismisses the contention that recent developments ...meant that revolutions could spread, and spread faster and more effectively. Dr. Harvie looks at other forms of communication and comes to a similar conclusion: where efficient long distance cornmunications networks existed, they were in jhe hands of governments, who were able to use them to suppress revolutions. Censorship over the press was vigorously enforced, though with energy and imagination it was possible to circumvent it. In the programme there is a sequence, specially filmed at the Gutenburg Printing Museum in Mainz, demonstrating the types of press then in use. In the studio there will be early examples of an electric telegraph terminal and an American Morse telegraph apparatus.
In this programme Dr. Christopher Harvie discusses the media in 1848. In a closely related radiovision programme (No: 03 'Transport in Europe') he dismisses the contention that recent developments ...meant that revolutions could spread, and spread faster and more effectively. Dr. Harvie looks at other forms of communication and comes to a similar conclusion: where efficient long distance cornmunications networks existed, they were in jhe hands of governments, who were able to use them to suppress revolutions. Censorship over the press was vigorously enforced, though with energy and imagination it was possible to circumvent it. In the programme there is a sequence, specially filmed at the Gutenburg Printing Museum in Mainz, demonstrating the types of press then in use. In the studio there will be early examples of an electric telegraph terminal and an American Morse telegraph apparatus.
| Module code and title: | A321, The revolutions of 1848 |
|---|---|
| Item code: | A321; 02 |
| First transmission date: | 17-03-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:23:20 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Edward Hayward |
| Contributor: | Chris Harvie |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Communications; Morse; Optical telegraph; Reuter |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with Harvie explaining from the studio the uses and operation of the optical telegraph. An animated map shows the European distribution of the optical telegraph. An animated diagram shows how it conveys messages. Harvie describes the limitations of the system. A print depicts the London office of the electric telegraph. An animated map shows the European distribution of this in the mid-19th century. Harvie demonstrates the operation of the Wheatstone needle telegraph and a Morse type of telegraph, and describes the purposes for which these machines were used. In the studio, Harvie describes the success of Reuter's News Agency. He explains how an edition of The Times in 1848 received its news over stills of the relevant articles. He briefly describes how The Times was printed.From inside the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz,Harvie shows how the iron American Columbia press worked, and examples of its products are seen. He also explains the operation of the Konig roller type printing press, and indicates the significance of such technical advances. He shows how the Museums lithographic press would have been used and political cartoons produced in this way are displayed. The extent of censorship, particularly in Central Europe, is described, along with the effect of this policy. He outlines Metternich's system of censorship with the aid of a blackboard. In the studio, Harvie outlines the expansion of newspapers and periodicals in the period. In particular, the growth of these in Paris and in Austria-Hungary are considered, and the significance of this explained. Stills of cartoons and newspapers illustrate the argument. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72082 |
| Production number: | 00525_3213 |
| Videofinder number: | 3308 |
| Available to public: | no |
