How did the printing press primarily influence European society?

The printing press had a profound impact on European society by facilitating the spread of ideas and significantly increasing literacy rates. Before its invention, accessing written materials was limited to a small elite, as books were rare and expensive, often hand-copied by monks or scribes. With the advent of the printing press in the mid-15th century, books, pamphlets, and other printed materials became much more accessible and affordable. This democratization of information allowed a broader segment of the population to engage with literature, science, and political discourse.

As texts became more widely available, literacy rates began to rise, as more individuals sought to read the new materials that were being published. The ease of sharing ideas through printed works also contributed to significant movements such as the Renaissance and the Reformation, as people could access and disseminate different perspectives on philosophy, religion, and governance more readily than ever before. This new ability to share and debate ideas led to a culture of inquiry and education that transformed European society in many ways, making the printing press a key factor in shaping modern European thought and culture.