Final answer:
Gutenberg's movable type printing press revolutionized Renaissance society, increasing book production and literacy, spreading new ideas like Humanism and enabling widespread distribution of texts that challenged religious and political authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Johannes Gutenberg's introduction of the movable type printing press in the mid-15th century was a pivotal moment in history with profound effects on society, particularly during the Renaissance. Gutenberg's first significant project was printing about 180 copies of the Bible in 1455, an endeavor that took two years to complete and was illuminated by hand with colored inks. His printing methods were incredibly successful, leading to widespread copying and improvements. By 1480, almost every large European city had at least one printing press. This technological innovation immensely increased book production, contributing to a decline in illiteracy and the dissemination of classical Greek and Roman texts, which fostered the spirit of the Renaissance.
Writers like William Shakespeare benefited greatly from the printing press, as their works could be more easily and widely distributed, ensuring a more significant impact and reaching a broader audience. The printing press facilitated the spread of new ideas, such as Humanism, and allowed for greater skepticism towards religious and political authority. Furthermore, the press played a crucial role in the Reformation, with figures like Martin Luther using it to widely distribute religious texts and ideas, challenging the hegemony of the Catholic Church.