WAR OF WORDS: THE DISCOURSE OF HATE IN THE EARLY EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

The beginning of the eighteenth century was a time particularly significant for the development of the English newspaper and the corresponding discourse of propaganda which violently issued from their broad pages. Circumstances aiding this development include: an expanding middle class, increasing literacy,
thriving club and coffee-house culture and, crucially, a developing party political system. Although at the beginning of the eighteenth century the two-party system was not yet fully visible on an ideological level, nevertheless, the Whigs and Tories were becoming the two most politically influential factions. This rivalry defined the political situation in early eighteenth century Britain and laid the foundation for a powerful ministerial propaganda machine, which set out to discredit opponents while justifying the policies of the government. The article explores this potent political tool through an examination of extracts from key contemporary essay periodicals and newspapers in order to present this perpetuated discourse of hate and fierce rivalry.