What invention significantly advanced printing technology during the Industrial Revolution?

The invention that significantly advanced printing technology during the Industrial Revolution is the printing press. Although the printing press was originally invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, its impact was profoundly felt during the Industrial Revolution due to advancements in technology and the expansion of literacy. The printing press facilitated the mass production of written materials, which helped disseminate ideas quickly and widely. This played a crucial role in the spread of information, contributing to movements such as the Enlightenment and the various social and political changes of the era.

The printing press allowed for the efficient printing of books, newspapers, and pamphlets, creating a more informed public and promoting education. The modifications and enhancements made to the printing press during the Industrial Revolution, such as steam-powered presses, further increased production speed and reduced costs, making printed materials accessible to a larger audience. This transformational technology laid the groundwork for the later advances in printing, including those represented by the other options. However, they were not innovations of the Industrial Revolution itself but rather developments that came later, which builds upon the advancements of the printing press.