Question

The Gutenberg press was an influential development during the Renaissance and Reformation. In this task, you’ll analyze the extent of its influence. You’ll also read a short passage that discusses some effects of the Gutenberg press in Europe. Then, you will write a five-paragraph essay. In your essay, you will analyze the passage and argue in support of or against its thesis. Read the following passage: The introduction of the Gutenberg press allowed for an increase in the number of books that were printed across Europe. Before the invention of the printing press, only wealthy individuals and members of the clergy had ready access to books. Almost all written works were in Latin. After 1500, however, it became easier for people to find and afford printed books. As a result, literacy rates throughout Europe spiked. The general public was able to access multiple titles across multiple subjects and read these works in their common vernacular. Through reading, people kindled a growing awareness of cultural and political trends on the continent. This shift from an illiterate to a literate public was the single most important development in Europe and was pivotal in the spread of ideas that were so important to the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe. Now, write a five-paragraph opinion essay. In this essay, argue for or against the thesis of the passage. Parts A, B, C, and D will help you draft your essay. Remember to keep your tone objective and formal. Also, make sure that you include accurate facts and details from the lessons and outside research in your answer. Part A Write an introduction that clearly states whether you agree with the thesis statement in the passage.

Answer 1

The Gutenberg press had a positive international impact. Based on the passage provided, there are several different pieces of evidence that prove this to be true.

One example is the fact that this press increased the amount of books available to people all over Europe. This is a positive effect, as it allows information to reach more than just the elites in Europe.  Along with this, it helped to increase the literacy rate at this time. Having a high literacy rate is important because it represents a societies ability to read and analyze information.

Another example of why the Gutenberg press was positive was the spreading of information. As the passage states, the Gutenberg press "
...is the single most important development in Europe and was pivotal in the spread of ideas that were so important to the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe."

Answer 2

Answer:

Johann Gutenberg (1399-1468), was born in Mainz, Germany. Before the invention of the printing press, books and documents were produced by handwritten copies, most of the time by monks, resulting in a slow and arduous work. In the Middle Age in Europe woodcut was used, on a wooden board an artisan recorded the words or drawings that had to be reproduced. The work was very laborious and if some piece was worn or part of the content changed, the complete mold had to be repeated.

Gutenberg's merit was to perfect the existing printing techniques, he melted each of the letters of the alphabet separately into metal, and devised a system to put them one after the other and fasten them. In this way, the pages could be composed faster and the molds could be reused to compose others. To reproduce the drawings, the woodcut was still used and later they were painted by hand.