Which of the following was a result of the invention of the printing press?

The invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century had a profound impact on society, significantly increasing access to literature and information. Prior to its invention, books were laboriously copied by hand, which made them expensive and rare. The printing press enabled the mass production of texts, making books more affordable and widely available to a broader audience.

This increased availability of printed material played a crucial role in the spread of new ideas and knowledge during the Renaissance and the Reformation. Literacy rates began to rise, as more people had access to educational materials. Additionally, the printing press facilitated the spread of scientific information, religious texts, and various forms of literature, contributing to a more informed and literate society.

The other options do not accurately represent the effects of the printing press. The invention did not decrease literacy rates or limit the dissemination of knowledge; rather, it did the opposite. Moreover, while the printing press contributed to the circulation of revolutionary ideas that could challenge centralized power structures, it did not directly lead to the centralization of power. Instead, it often empowered individuals and local communities by providing them access to knowledge and the means to express their ideas. Thus, increased access to literature and information is rightly identified as a primary result of the invention