Final answer:
The Linotype machine, invented in 1883, revolutionized the printing industry by automating typesetting, making printing cheaper and easier, thus accelerating the spread of information and contributing to increased literacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Linotype machine, invented in 1883, was an American revolution in print. This significant advancement in the field of printing technology occurred during a period of great innovation, following on from earlier achievements such as Friedrich Koenig's steam-powered printing press and Richard rotary printing press, which greatly increased the speed and volume of printing. The automation of typesetting was a critical next step, which the Linotype machine provided, by enabling the casting and setting of type much more quickly than the manual process employed for centuries. By making printing both cheaper and simpler, the Linotype machine played a pivotal role in the availability and dissemination of printed materials, contributing to an increase in literacy and the spread of information.