The invention of the printing press during the Renaissance era, attributed to Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, had a profound effect on the dissemination of knowledge and culture. By making books more accessible and affordable, the printing press facilitated the spread of ideas, literacy, and education across Europe. It contributed to the Reformation, as religious texts could be widely circulated, and stimulated the growth of secular literature and scientific discourse. This technological advancement ultimately laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment, transforming intellectual landscapes and enabling subsequent social, political, and cultural movements.