The impact of the Gutenberg printing press on European society was profound and transformative. Introduced by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, it allowed for the mass production of books, most notably the Bible. This revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making literature accessible to a broader audience and facilitating the spread of ideas. The printing press played a crucial role in the Renaissance and the Reformation, challenging the Catholic Church's authority and promoting literacy, education, and the rise of individual thought.