The impact of the printing press

Johannes Gutenberg

The Printing press is one of the world’s most influential inventions; having a strong impact on society it effectively revolutionized communication around the world. Although early versions of the printing press (movable type) can be traced back to China in the early 11^th century, the technology was not recognized until 1454 where German blacksmith Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing press. 

 

Early Printing Press

Europe prior to 1454 had an immense illiterate population; only priests and elites where given education, while the majority of the population focused on work. This meant that news and information can only be shared in churches or through one another, this led to biased inaccuracy. Therefore the introduction of the printing press, allowed the vast publication of materials, which allowed the release of literary materials and other readings that awakened the majority of the population. Although this technology was further developed and eventually led to the digital printing of our generation, Gutenberg's invention was primarily designed to publish bibles to the public, since copies during the era where only used by the church. Overall the printing press had an immense impact on society, as the technology spread rapidly across Europe promoting literacy, schools, science and provide information to common people. As more people got exposed to books, some started contradicting the text affecting their perception; this ultimately led to the reformation where the church lost absolute authority.

Gutenberg Bible- first book printed