Revolutions in the History of Civilization Induced by Paper

Part 11：Innovations and Revolutions in Europe Induced by Paper

Abstract

In the 14th century, Europe started to manufacture paper, and in almost the same time, its society began to change dynamically.

In the Renaissance which was initiated in Italy in the 14th century, huge volumes of books were translated and studied. The movement asked a large volume of paper which the Italian paper manufacturers supplied, improving its productivity and quality.

The Italian technology was transferred to the Protestant in the northern France, which became the largest paper supplier in Europe. The thought of believing in one’s reason that had come up in the Renaissance led to the Reformation （1517）. New ideas were printed and published in large numbers, and the Reformation was called as a new media revolution. Paper manufactured in France supported the movement. The French technology, then, spread in Europe, due to the abolition of the Edict of Nantes.

The Age of Enlightenment followed, that started in the middle of the 17th century. France was the center of the movement, and books became quite common in daily life. Dutch which succeeded in cost reduction by inventing Hollander beater became the largest supplier in Europe, being in replace to France.

The intellectual activities that paper had helped to grow yielded the Industrial Revolution （1760-1840） in Britain. Technologies were generalized and information was effectively exchanged by abundant supply of paper that British paper industry afforded, which had grown to be a leading producer in Europe.

The rise of paper making in some district seemed to be well related to the economic growth and resulting social revolution in that district. The simple work of paper making was a significant presence in a big wave of social developments.