Feudalism and the Printing Press

Which individual is commonly associated with the invention of the printing press?

What is suggested as a driving force behind the invention of new technology?

What decade is often cited as the period when the printing press was discovered?

What concept suggests that technology arises from historical and social conditions?

What was a significant factor that led to the need for the printing press?

What is considered the principal resource in the feudalism production process?

In the context of feudalism, who typically works on the land owned by the landlord?

How did improved farming techniques impact food production?

What is the term used to describe the additional amount of food produced beyond personal survival needs?

Which factor is NOT considered an important input in the feudalism production process?

Feudalism

Land is a vital resource in feudalism as agriculture is the primary economic activity
Serfs work the land, but the land is owned by the landlord
Surplus food production emerges due to improved farming techniques

Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg is often associated with the invention of the printing press in Western Europe in the 1460s
The invention of the printing press is not solely attributed to Gutenberg but is a result of changing societal needs and requirements
The increasing demand for manuscript copies throughout history
The growth of education, including amongst the laity, in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries resulted in the proliferation of universities, though texts were not taught in vernacular languages
The rise of professional copiers, known as booksellers or stationers, to produce manuscripts for scholars
This shift allowed scholars to dedicate more time to studying texts

Printing Techniques

Printing blocks were created by hand using dyes or by punching a die onto soft metal
Goldsmiths and engravers, who were skilled in intricate carving and engraving, played a crucial role in printing
Printing illustrations on blocks was easier than printing entire pages because it required less carving and allowed for reuse of the block
The term "stereotype" is a reflection of how we categorize individuals into specific social categories

Explore the key concepts of feudalism, where land is a critical resource and serfs labor for landlords. Additionally, delve into the history of the printing press and its impact on society, including the rise of education and manuscript production in the Middle Ages.