The shift from hand printing to mechanical printing came to be known as the print revolution. It had an impact on every aspect of life.
● It led to the emergence of the new reading public. As Printing reduced the cost of books multiple copies could be produced with greater ease. Before the age of print, books were not only expensive but were also not produced in sufficient numbers. But now the markets were flooded with books. Thus, books created a new culture of reading.
● Printing introduced a new world of debate and discussion with a wide circulation of ideas. It enabled people to think differently and persuade others.
● Print stimulated many distinctive individual interpretations of faith. People began questioning the authority of the Roman Church. Thus, severe controls were imposed on the publishers and booksellers by the Church. Print revolution thus broadened the horizons of the people. Knowledge was no longer limited to the elites. The common folks also enriched themselves with the information. There was freedom of ideas that was circulated all over. The print message carried nationalist values and awakened patriotism among the people. It made people aware of concepts such as equality, freedom etc. Thus, freedom of expression reached the masses.
