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Unit 2: How Trade and Travel Changed the World
Lesson F: Renaissance and Reformation
Activity 6: Spreading Word of Rebirth and Reform
The ability to spread information between people was made possible with innovations in the use of the printed word. In the previous activities, you learned about the renewed emphasis on learning, cultural expression, and religious freedom during the European Renaissance and Reformations.
The scientific and cultural significance of changes to art, architecture, and religion could not have been expressed without a method to spread news of this information. This is where the role of the printing press became significant. In order to help you have a clearer understanding of the significance of these changes to communication, read about related events during your own lifetime.
Directions: Read the following newspaper headlines.
![newspaper headlines: professors now texting class updates](images/news_texting.png)
![newspaper headlines: schools rethink student cell phone policies](images/news_cellphone.png)
![newspaper headlines: facebook membership tops 500 million](images/news_facebook.png)
![newspaper headlines: candidate announces policy on twitter](images/news_twitter.png)
![newspaper headlines: students risk losing cell phone to text friends](images/news_losingcell.png)
![newspaper headlines: cell phone use now illegal while driving](images/news_illegal.png)
![Notebook Icon](../iconfiles/notebook_activity_90.png)
Written Activity - Notebook
In your notebook, respond to the following questions:
- How have the Internet and cell phones impacted communication during your lifetime?
- How is this impact similar to that of the printing press?
During the Renaissance and religious Reformations of the 14th - 17th centuries, cultural and political shifts changed European society forever.
Now that you have learned about the origins and accomplishments of the Renaissance, move to the next activity to learn about the political and social challenges to the Roman Catholic Church.