Final answer:
Johannes Gutenberg significantly impacted the dissemination of knowledge by inventing the movable type printing press in Europe in the 15th century. His use of individually cast metal letters facilitated the mass production of books, leading to increased literacy and the spread of Renaissance humanism. The printing press evolved further during the industrial revolution with the development of steam-powered and rotary presses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the mid-15th century, Johannes Gutenberg, a well-educated inventor from a wealthy family, revolutionized the production of books with the invention of the movable type printing press. This innovation was a significant departure from the practice of the time where books were handwritten individually, often by monks in monasteries. Gutenberg's printing press allowed for the fast production of identical copies of texts, which greatly increased the availability of literature and was a catalyst for a decline in illiteracy rates.
Gutenberg's press used individually cast metal letters and a design similar to wine or apple presses. His first major project was printing the Bible, producing 180 copies with black text that were then hand-illuminated with colored inks. The advent of the printing press by Gutenberg, although predated by Asian innovations, is often hailed as one of the most critical inventions in European history, leading to a massive spread of knowledge.This spread is often associated with the onset of the Renaissance, igniting new ways of thinking and fostering movements like Humanism.
The legacy of the printing press continued as technology advanced, further shaping the course of human history. During the industrial revolution in the 19th century, the invention of steam-powered and rotary printing presses allowed for even faster production of printed material, laying the groundwork for mass communication in the modern era.