2. Guttenberg’s Printing Press
Time Period—The Renaissance
Johannes Guttenberg
Region—Germany
Themes: Science and Technology, Religion, Geography
Johannes Guttenberg expanded on the moveable type created by the Chinese. He used metal instead of wood, and a hand crank that made it easier and quicker than ever before to copy and produce. The impact that his printing press had on world history is huge. It helped to spread literacy and enabled people to read the bible in their own vernacular. For the first time in history all types of works could be printed and made available quickly and cheaply. Common people could finally get access to works, and this brought about the Renaissance, the Protestant Revolution, Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Enlightenment. It also played a large role in the Age of Exploration with it being able to create accurate maps quickly. We may not be where we are today without Guttenberg’s printing press.