The key role of the printing press in spreading ideas during the Reformation cannot be overstated. Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, the printing press revolutionized the production of books, making literature more accessible to the masses. This technological advancement facilitated the rapid dissemination of Reformation texts, such as Martin Luther's 95 Theses, which criticized Church practices and called for reform. The ability to print pamphlets and translations of the Bible allowed individuals to engage with religious texts directly, fostering independent interpretation and weakening the Catholic Church's authority. Ultimately, the printing press was instrumental in enabling the Reformation's ideas to take hold across Europe.