Part 5/7:
The allure of drinking chocolate wasn’t merely about taste—it was also symbolic of social status. In 1661, King Charles II shut down chocolate houses, fearing they were breeding grounds for political dissent. However, the backlash was swift and strong, forcing the king to rescind his order. Thus, chocolate became intertwined with the social fabric of the time, representing both decadence and rebellion.
Even beyond classic chocolate houses, the preparation of chocolate often fell to domestic helpers. The laborious process highlighted a class divide, where aristocratic women enjoyed the luxurious results without engaging in the demanding work needed to create them.