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Printing Press

Definition

A machine invented by Johann Gutenberg that creates copies of texts through an impression on a paper sheet—an innovation that revolutionized book production and distribution during Renaissance Europe.

Related terms

Woodcut Printing: An earlier method used for making prints where images are carved into wood blocks; less efficient than Gutenberg’s press.

Incunabula: Books printed before 1501; they represent the earliest age of print.

Reformation: A religious movement in 16th-century Europe led by Martin Luther that resulted in a split within Western Christianity; it was significantly aided by use of the printing press for spreading ideas quickly across regions.

"Printing Press" appears in:

Subjects (3)

  • AP Human Geography

  • AP US History

  • AP World History: Modern

Study guides (6)

  • AP European History - 1.2 Italian Renaissance

  • AP European History - 1.3 Northern Renaissance

  • AP European History - 2.1 Contextualizing 16th and 17th-Century Challenges and Developments

  • AP European History - 2.2 Luther and the Protestant Reformation

  • AP European History - 2.3 Protestant Reform Continues

  • AP European History - 4.7 Causation in the Age of the Scientific Revolution

Practice Questions (20+)

  • Who is credited with inventing the printing press during the Renaissance?

  • What societal change occurred due to the invention of the printing press during the Northern Renaissance?

  • What was the immediate effect of the printing press in Europe?

  • What is an example of a major work that was printed using the printing press during the Renaissance?

  • Which of the following was an important consequence of the increased availability of books due to the printing press?

  • Which statement best describes the impact of the printing press on the spread of scientific knowledge?

  • Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of the printing press on religious reform?

  • What impact did the printing press have on the spread of Martin Luther's teachings?

  • What was the impact of the invention of the printing press on the spread of Enlightenment ideas?

  • Who is famously known for developing the printing press during the Renaissance period?

  • What limits Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press as a historical source for studying literacy rates during the Renaissance?

  • How did the printing press impact the spread of ideas during the Northern Renaissance?

  • Which author's work was widely disseminated due to the invention of the printing press?

  • Who used the printing press to produce copies of his Ninety-five Theses?

  • What historical event was largely facilitated by the advent of the printing press in Europe during the 15th century?

  • Which religious movement was significantly facilitated by the invention and spread of the printing press?

  • What was a crucial impact of the printing press on Europe's intellectual life during the Renaissance?

  • How did the invention of the printing press in Europe during the 15th century impact the spread of religious ideas?

  • What was a significant impact of the invention of the printing press in Europe during the 15th century?

  • How did the printing press impact the spread of Martin Luther's ideas in 16th century Europe?

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.