The printing press played a crucial role during the Reformation by facilitating the rapid spread of reformist ideas. Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the printing press allowed for the mass production of written material, including pamphlets, books, and Martin Luther's 95 Theses. This accessibility led to increased public discourse about religious practices and the questioning of the Catholic Church's authority. It empowered individuals to read the Bible in their own languages and contributed to the growth of literacy. As a result, the Reformation gained momentum, leading to significant religious and political transformations across Europe.