Gutenberg invented the printing press with movable type, which allowed for mass production of printed materials and lowered the costs of books. This enabled knowledge and ideas to spread more widely, including religious texts like the Gutenberg Bible. Martin Luther took advantage of the printing press to spread his 95 Theses criticizing the Catholic Church, which helped spark the Protestant Reformation as his ideas spread rapidly throughout Europe within months thanks to Gutenberg's invention.

1. The Gutenberg Press
https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/.../filedownload.ashx?...printing%20press%20powerpoint...

2. Block Printing:
• Concept of printing one sheet at a time
• Raised letters carved into block of wood
• Could only use block one time
• Required highly skilled craftsmen, carpenters
• Costly only nobility could afford

3. Johannes Gutenberg:
• 1400-1468
• German craftsman (gold smith) and
inventor
• Family had some money –access to
manuscripts and learning
• Exiled from hometown because of
revolt against local nobility
• Strasburg, Germany – worked to find
way mass produce books

4. Movable Type:
• Concept involving individual blocks for each letter
within a frame
• Each letter made out of metal
• Reusable
• Durable
• Greater efficiency at mass producing printed material
• Lowers the cost of books so more can afford

5. Gutenberg’s goal realized:
• Mechanically reprint religious manuscripts
with same quality
• Gutenberg Bible or 42 Line Bible
Why Is This Important:
• Ideas and knowledge spreads more
quickly
• Poor could now afford Bibles
• Gutenberg Bible printed in German
• Bible printed in local languages
• People can read Bible for themselves

6. Introducing Martin Luther
(not the King)
Luther’s PERSPECTIVE:
• Born into working class type family
• Father self made, mine owner
• Chose religious life over business
• German monk
• Devotion to the Catholic Church

7. Why Does this matter?
• Church not cutting it but Bible does
• Luther becomes disgruntled with STATUS QUO
• Priest lavish lifestyle
• Church corruption
• Indulgences
• Catholic officials selling forgiveness of sins

8. Luther the Mad Man:
• He can read and interpret the Bible
• Believes the Bible says salvation through own
faith
• Discovers Indulgences NOT in the Bible
• 95 Theses nailed to church door

9. What does this have to do with Gutenberg?
Why is this important?
I am glad you asked!
Gutenberg’s printing press allows
95 These to spread through ALL
Europe in THREE Months!
The spread of ideas leads to
change or Reformation. (…to be
continued)