What was one major impact of Gutenberg's movable printing press?

The introduction of Gutenberg's movable printing press in the 15th century had a monumental impact on society, primarily by significantly increasing interest in literacy and mass communication. The printing press allowed for the mass production of books and written materials, making them more accessible to a broader audience. Prior to this invention, books were laboriously copied by hand, which made them expensive and limited to a small elite.

With the printing press, texts such as religious works, scientific treatises, and literature could be produced in large quantities at a lower cost. This not only democratized knowledge but also stimulated interest in reading and learning among the general population, leading to higher literacy rates over time. Additionally, it facilitated the exchange of ideas, contributing to movements like the Renaissance and the Reformation, where printed pamphlets and books played critical roles in public discourse and debate.

The other options do not address the transformative effect on literacy and communication that emerged from this technological advancement. Instead, they suggest outcomes that contradict the historical evidence of the period, where the spread of printed materials led to a flourishing of public discourse and literacy.