Radicalism, Revolution, and the Printing Press: Daniel Isaac Eaton

In the heady days following the successful rebellion of the American colonies and during the Reign of Terror that saw enemies of the French Revolution beheaded by the thousands, a small group of British literati began to think about the rights of citizens.

The London Corresponding Society (LCS), as they deemed themselves, agitated for democratic reform of the British Parliament.

Members of the LCS were charged with plots to assassinate the King, arrested, and tried. In 1799, legislation suppressed the Society by name. Yet its members kept printing material agitating for suffrage.

From October 17, Lewis & Clark College will exhibit the work of one of the central members of the LCS, Daniel Isaac Eaton, at Watzek Library. His pamphlets and volumes on display - all more than 200 years old - remind us of the importance of the vote, something that was not guaranteed to every British citizen until the middle of the 20th century. As we approach our own elections, we invite you to come consider the rights and roles of citizens in a democracy.