Which 18th-century invention facilitated the spread of Enlightenment ideas by making books more accessible to the general public?

The mechanical printing press

The mechanical printing press, perfected in the 18th century, played a crucial role in spreading the ideas of the Enlightenment. This innovation allowed for faster and less expensive production of books and pamphlets, making knowledge and new ideas more accessible to a broader audience. The increased dissemination of literature, philosophical essays, and scientific writings helped educate the public and foster intellectual debate, thus fueling the social and political transformations of the era.