The main impact of the printing press on European society was the democratization of knowledge and information. Invented in the mid-15th century by Johannes Gutenberg, the printing press enabled the mass production of books, making literature more accessible to the general public. This technological advancement contributed to the spread of Renaissance ideas, humanism, and the Reformation, as texts could be distributed widely and at lower costs. The printing press facilitated the exchange of ideas and fostered literacy, leading to increased public engagement in religious and political matters. Ultimately, it played a crucial role in shaping modern European society and culture.