The 19th century was a revolutionary period for global printing:
Steam-powered printing press: Increased speed and volume of printing, making newspapers and books affordable.
Rotary press (1843): Enabled continuous printing on paper rolls, increasing efficiency.
Cheaper paper and ink: Lowered costs, making printed material accessible to the middle and working classes.
Growth in literacy: Public education created demand for textbooks, newspapers, novels, etc.
Rise of public opinion: Print media became a vehicle for social, political, and cultural change.