The printing press was a tool of European monarchs because:
A)it enabled the establishment of printed money.
B)it enabled the widespread circulation of propaganda.
C)a king's license was necessary to own a printing press.
D)books were heavily taxed.
E)kings were able to choose which books would be printed and which would not.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The printing press enabled the widespread circulation of propaganda, which was a powerful tool for European monarchs to control public opinion and maintain their power. They could use printed materials to spread their own ideas and discredit their opponents. This was particularly important during the Reformation when different religious groups were vying for influence and the printing press allowed them to reach a wider audience. While some monarchs did require licenses to own printing presses and books were sometimes heavily taxed, these factors were not as significant in terms of the printing press being a tool of monarchs. Kings did not have direct control over which books were printed, but they could influence publishers and printers through censorship laws and other measures.

The Printing Press Was a Tool of European Monarchs Because