MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · History: Print Culture and the Modern WorldWhat was the significance of the 'Protestant Reformation' in relation to print culture?

The Protestant Reformation, started by Martin Luther in 1517, heavily utilized the newly invented printing press to challenge the corrupt practices and authority of the Catholic Church. Luther wrote Ninety-Five Theses criticizing Church rituals, which were widely printed and distributed across Europe. Print allowed ordinary people to read religious texts in their vernacular languages, inspiring critical thinking, individual interpretations of the Bible, and ultimately a massive religious schism throughout Western civilization.