Our World in Data, Literacy Rates, 1475-1650

Literacy rates increased in Europe over the early modern period, caused by several signficant changes, including the invention of the printing press, the Renaissance and the Reformation, and increasing urbanization. This graph, in combination with other sources of information, can provide insight into changes in European society as interactions across the globe increased. By visiting the Our World in Data site, students can also engage with an interactive graph that allows them to change years and/or countries and regions displayed, as well as view an animated graph of change over time.