The Portrayal of the 1718 'Sicily Crisis' by Period English Newspapers
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Date
2009-01
Authors
Pikkert, Owen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal
Abstract
This paper examines the portrayal of the 1718 'Sicily Crisis' by several period English newspapers, including the Daily Courant, the Evening Post, and the London Gazette. The 'Sicily Crisis' was provoked by the voyage of a Spanish fleet from Spain to Sicily, which the Spanish reclaimed after having lost it through the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. Much of the voyage was shrouded in mystery, prompting speculation and fear as to its precise destination. After having analyzed the reportage of the 'Sicily Crisis' in each of the aforementioned newspapers, several common prejudices emerged. The English newspapers strongly supported the 'Tranquility of Europe', and they portrayed Britain as eager to negotiate and Spain as needlessly aggressive. Moreover, the restrictions of their own medium helped to contribute towards a sense of crisis.
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Keywords
Sicily (Italy) -- History