Licensing Order of 1643

The Licensing Order of 1643 was issued by the English Parliament during the English Civil War. It required all printed materials, such as books and pamphlets, to be approved by government licensing before publication. This aimed to control the spread of ideas and maintain order during a turbulent time. The order reflected the belief that unchecked printing could lead to the dissemination of dangerous or seditious material. Essentially, it was an effort to manage information and influence public opinion in a politically charged environment.