The Printing Press in the Colonies

Mission Brief #13

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Figure out how this changed the world.

⚡ The twist

History is written by the winners — keep asking what's missing.

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The printing press was an important invention that changed how people shared information in the colonies. It allowed for the fast printing of books, newspapers, and pamphlets. With the printing press, colonists could learn about news, ideas, and important events much more quickly than before. This helped people communicate better and share their thoughts about life in the colonies.

Key facts

Remember these

1The printing press allowed for fast printing of books and newspapers.
2It helped colonists share news and ideas quickly.
3The invention improved communication in the colonies.

Timeline

When it happened

1639
The first printing press in the English colonies begins printing in Cambridge
1640
The Bay Psalm Book is printed
1704
The Boston News-Letter becomes the first continuous colonial newspaper
1735
Printer John Peter Zenger is found not guilty of libel

Then & Now

The choices made back then are why the world looks like this now.

Mind = blown

Colonial children often learned their letters from a hornbook: a wooden paddle holding one printed page under a thin, clear layer of animal horn.

Question 1 of 2

What did the printing press help create quickly?

How sure?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 2

How did the printing press improve life in the colonies?

How sure?😐 maybe

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You got 0 of 2 right.

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