What was one major impact of the printing press during the Reformation?

The printing press had a profound impact during the Reformation, primarily by allowing for the rapid spread of ideas and increasing literacy across Europe. With the ability to reproduce texts quickly and in large quantities, the printing press democratized access to information. Previously, books were laboriously copied by hand, making them scarce and expensive. The printing press enabled the mass production of pamphlets, books, and brochures containing reformist ideas, such as Martin Luther's 95 Theses, which questioned the practices of the Catholic Church.

As a result, more people gained access to religious texts and educational materials, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and criticisms of the church could flourish. This accessibility played a crucial role in empowering individuals to read and interpret the Bible on their own, thus encouraging personal faith and challenging established religious authority. The surge in printed materials contributed significantly to increased literacy rates as well, as more people sought to educate themselves to engage with these new ideas.

In contrast to the incorrect choices, options that suggest a decrease in literacy or a hindrance to the spread of new ideas neglect the evident historical evidence showing that the printing press was instrumental in promoting literacy and the dissemination of Reformation thought. Additionally, while it was used for political propaganda, this does