The Arab Spring, protest movements in the EU, Russia, Turkey or
elsewhere, are often labeled as Twitter-revolutions. A crucial role is
attributed to the new media, coverage of events abroad and ensuing
mutual reactions. With the dissemination of print, revolts in
early-modern times faced the challenge of a similar media-revolution.
This influenced the very face of the events that could become
full-fledged propaganda wars once the insurgents had won access to the
printing press. But it also had an impact on revolt-narratives.
Governments severely persecuted dissident views in such delicate issues
as revolts. Observers abroad had no such divided loyalties and were
freer to reflect upon the events. Therefore, the book focuses mainly on
representations of revolts across borders.