2.2.1 Primary sources We learn history from primary sources. Evidence from 1500 to 1650 is more abundant than for other ancient and medieval societies. The printing press helped by giving book printers the ability to produce many more copies. Some sources were lost, however, and many people couldn’t read or write, leaving their ideas unrecorded. It is important to be cautious when trusting sources, as often only one side’s view is recorded, especially in religious wars. Most written records from this period come from privileged groups, and show that bias.
SkillBuilder discussion Historical questions 1. Discuss how the printing press affected historical sources’ accessibility and reliability from 1500 to 1650. 2. Who might have access to a printing press and what impact might this have on records and information from this era? 3. How long did it take for the printing press technology to spread throughout Europe?
SOURCE2 Prologue page of the Canterbury Tales, printed by William Caxton who brought the printing press back to England in 1476. Caxton became the first English printer.
TOPIC2 Emergence of the modern world in Europe 21
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