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A Simple Press Changes the World:
Less than 50 years after its invention, Johann Gutenberg's printing press spread news throughout Europe from halfway around the globe -- Christopher Columbus's account of the New World. The press was evolving into the most powerful tool for disseminating news the world had ever known. Presses were transported across the Atlantic early in the 16th century, as evidenced by the earliest known newsbook from the Americas: a report of an earthquake, printed in 1541 in Mexico City.
Invading Italy:
King Charles VIII of France personally wrote some of the dozens of newsbooks reporting on his invasion of Italy, becoming one of the first European leaders to use newsbooks to spread news. His promotional writing didn't help; the campaign in Italy was a military disaster. |