Who is credited with inventing the printing press?

The invention of the printing press is attributed to Johann Gutenberg, a German goldsmith and inventor from the mid-15th century. His development of movable type printing revolutionized the way information was disseminated and is widely recognized as one of the most significant advancements in communication technology. Gutenberg's press allowed for the mass production of books and other written materials, which made literature and education more accessible to the general populace. This had profound effects on society, contributing to the spread of knowledge, the Renaissance, and the Reformation.

The other figures mentioned, while significant in their own right, were not involved in the invention of the printing press. Thomas Edison is known for his work with the electric light bulb and phonograph; Benjamin Franklin is famous for his contributions to printing and journalism but did not invent the printing press; and Alexander Graham Bell is credited with inventing the telephone. Thus, Johann Gutenberg stands out as the key figure associated with this groundbreaking invention.