CDL: Newspapers: “The Spring of Knowledge”

CDL:  Newspapers: “The Spring of Knowledge”

1.        Why would the governor want the colonial’s newspaper copy submitted for “official approval: and what did the colonists gain by not yielding to that demand?

The governor wanted the newspaper submitted for “official approval” to hold power over the publishers and watch the content to not have any information they might deem unfit for publication.  The colonists gained more freedom of press which would enable the publishers to write about government officials and politics in general which kept them more informed of what was happening with their leaders and neighbors. 

2.        Why was the New England Courant paper successful even though it turned its nose up at the religious and government institutions that the majority of the people followed?

The New England Courant paper was successful because it was a new form of communication that dazzled and excited the people with its rumors, criticisms, and news of the community.  The papers were printing things that in the past had only been shared in private conversations which was astounding to the people.

3.        List some of the influences these newspapers or printings had on the population?

Some of the influences the news papers or printings had were spreading of gossip and rumors among the people, political opinions expressed, and a new awakening to a world of things they may not have been aware of.  What also started to change with the printing of news was the ability for information to reach the population in a timelier effective manner. 

4.        How did what James Franklin do by starting another paper help what is published in the news now?

James Franklin publishing a newspaper that was open and humorous in regards to writing about the government and religious institutions was the beginning of the free press that we have today.  Today the press is free in the United States to write about whatever they wish whether that information is opinion, the truth, or even if it is not a proven fact.  The press has the ability to inform the world today of events that are taking place within seconds of it occurring and has a lot of control over society, this is especially true when you consider political campaigns or natural disasters occurring.