The major impact of the printing press on European society was its revolutionary effect on the spread of knowledge, literacy, and cultural exchange. Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the printing press enabled the mass production of books and printed materials, significantly reducing their cost and making them accessible to a broader audience. This newfound accessibility fostered literacy among the general populace, paving the way for an informed citizenry. The printing press played a crucial role in the Renaissance and Reformation by disseminating ideas, challenging established authorities, and sparking intellectual movements that shaped modern Western thought and culture.