Satire and Censorship
Throughout the 18th century, satire frequently collided with efforts at censorship, reflecting ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and political authority. Legislation such as the Licensing Act of 1737, which restricted theatrical performances, the Stamp Act of 1712, which aimed at limiting the circulation of satirical publications through taxation, and King George III's 1787 Royal Proclamation for the Encouragement of Piety and Virtue, which sought to suppress morally critical satire, underscore how satire was perceived as a powerful and often dangerous tool. These attempts at regulation highlight satire's significance and influence on public opinion, which made it a recurring battleground in the broader struggle over the limits of free speech.
The Licensing Act of 1737 marked the beginning of a formal system of theatrical censorship in Britain. It effectively silenced oppositional voices on the stage. It gave the state the power to shut down productions, edit scripts, and blacklist playwrights. The law remained in force for over 230 years until its repeal in 1968.
This is a poem excerpt from a 1722 newspaper. It includes a political call to action against the Stamp Act of 1712, stating, "No Stamp, no Track of Acts like these remain." Most people are familiar with the Stamp Act of 1765, but the Stamp Act of 1712 imposed a tax on newspapers, pamphlets, advertisements, and other printed material that was integral in satirical production. While not explicit censorship, this tax functioned as an economic barrier that limited access to the press, suppressed dissenting voices, and curbed the production of politically critical satire.
This satirical print, titled "Reformation- or the Wonderful Effects of a Proclamation!!!" mocks King George III's 1787 Royal Proclamation for the Encouragement of Piety and Virtue. The proclamation aimed to restore public morality and suppress vice by urging citizens to uphold decency and avoid profane entertainment. The print satirizes the irony of a monarchy attempting to legislate virtue while suppressing the critical voice of satire.