18. THE PROMISE OF ENLIGHTENMENT, 1750

Quiz for Seeing History for Chapter 18

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Seeing History: Pottery and Social Distinction: Josiah Wedgwood’s “China”

Question 18.9

1. Wedgwood sold his “Queen’s Ware” to buyers across Europe and even in North and South America. What accounts for its popularity?

Methodists were his best customers.

Wedgwood’s creamware was much cheaper than the earthenware of the competition.

Because Wedgwood had a commission from the British queen, his “Queen’s Ware” gave consumers the prospect of emulating royalty.

Wedgwood had a monopoly on the production of earthenware.

Question 18.10

2. Why did middle-class consumption of earthenware and other consumer products increase in the eighteenth century?

Buying plates, cups, and saucers was the only way middle-class people could express their desire to be like aristocrats.

The middle classes increased in size and wealth and were able to buy goods that reflected their improving situation.

Since the middle classes could not participate in most cultural activities (going to concerts or art exhibitions, for example), their only outlet was buying consumer goods.

Consumption of earthenware increased because consumption of coffee and tea declined.