| 18th Century History |
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Articles and Products of History The Grand Tour: 18th Century Young Mans HeavenDuring the 18th century, the males of the upper class were sent out on a holiday, called the Grand Tour. It was perceived that the males of the aristocracy should venture out on this escapade in an attempt to broaden their education, to enlighten them on worldly matters, and travel to unique destinations. Truthfully, it was just an attempt to keep these young men busy. These men were not usually required to work and they were wealthy. Secretly, their fathers wanted them to go out into the world to sow their wild seeds, and to save the family from shame that could be brought upon by a wild, bored youth. Upon their return they were expected by their family, and society, to settle down. --- --- The familys that sent their young men out did so under the guise of having them finish their education with hands on immersion into other cultures. It was thought that it would also help the young man develop the social graces that they would need once they inherited their titles. It was thought that once these young men returned that they would have a wider vocabulary, knowledge of a foreign language, and self-assurance. Sending these men out on their own was supposed to develop self sufficiency. One has to wonder how self sufficient one could be when the whole experience of a grand tour was bank rolled by a rich family. Young men set out to these other countries that they had only read about in their dreary school books. The climate was warmer, society was not as reserved, and no one knew who they were. The Grand Tour was heaven to some young men. Some of these young men brought havoc and heartbreak on the lives of man young women throughout Europe. Further Reading
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