Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What impact did the printing press have on 16th and 17th century Europe?

1. It significantly contributed to the spread of new ideas across Europe

2. It led to the decline of literacy rates

3. It restricted access to religious texts

4. It enforced censorship of political ideas

The correct answer is: It significantly contributed to the spread of new ideas across Europe

The printing press had a monumental impact on 16th and 17th century Europe, primarily because it significantly contributed to the spread of new ideas across the continent. With the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the production of books became faster and more cost-effective. This technological advancement allowed for the mass reproduction of texts, making literature, scientific works, and religious materials accessible to a much broader audience. As a result, key ideas from the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution spread rapidly among the populace. Reformers like Martin Luther used the printing press to disseminate his 95 Theses and other writings, which challenged the Catholic Church and sparked widespread religious change. Similarly, scientific ideas and discoveries could be shared and debated among scholars and the educated public, significantly advancing knowledge and sparking intellectual challenges to traditional views. Literacy rates actually began to rise during this time as a direct consequence of increased access to printed materials, contradicting the notion that the printing press led to a decline in literacy. Moreover, while censorship did exist, the overall impact of the printing press was to empower individuals with new ideas rather than restrict access to them. This made the option regarding the spread of new ideas