Gutenberg's invention of the movable-type printing press significantly led to what change in society?

Gutenberg's invention of the movable-type printing press revolutionized the dissemination of information and played a crucial role in the increase of literacy rates. Before the printing press, books were laboriously hand-copied, making them rare and expensive. The printing press allowed for the mass production of texts, which drastically lowered the cost of books and made literature and educational materials accessible to a much broader audience.

As a result, more people could acquire books and educational resources, leading to a rise in literacy rates among various social classes. The availability of printed material contributed to the spread of new ideas, facilitated the sharing of knowledge, and encouraged a culture of learning and inquiry. This shift ultimately laid the groundwork for significant sociocultural movements, including the Renaissance and the Reformation, which were heavily influenced by the accessibility of printed works. The impact of the printing press extended beyond just literacy; it fundamentally transformed how society communicated and shared information.