Background:

Who are they? 

Johann Gutenberg was a German goldsmith, printer and publisher who introduced modern book printing. His invention of mechanical movable type printing started the Printing revolution and is widely regarded as the most important event of the modern period.

Where and when were they born?

Johann Gutenberg was born in the 1397 in Mainz, Germany. He was the youngest son of the upper-class merchant Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden.

What was their education?

He is assumed to have studied at the University of Erfurt where he studied to become a metallurgist. 

Where did they live and work? (City, location size?)

Johann Gutenberg started his work in Strasbourg, Germany,

When this person was alive what was their social and economic status as well as their living conditions?

Sometime in 1455, there was a dispute between Gutenberg and Fust, and Fust demanded his money back, accusing Gutenberg of misusing the funds. Fust was a wealthy money loaner. Meanwhile the expenses of the Bible project had proliferated, and Gutenberg's debt now exceeded 2,000 guilders. Fust sued at the archbishop's court. A November 1455 legal document records that there was a partnership for a "project of the books," the funds for which Gutenberg had used for other purposes, according to Fust. The court decided in favor of Fust, giving him control over the Bible printing workshop and half of all printed Bibles.

(first printing press)

Accomplishments:

What was their accomplishment?

His invention – the printing press was quickly recognized for its efficacy and utility, and within two decades its use had spread all over Europe. Gutenberg has been hailed by some as the greatest inventor of the millennium, whose invention has had a profound impact on humankind. Gutenberg's first and outstanding work The Bible is now a collector’s item. Twenty-one copies of the original are available and their historical significance along with their workmanship make them priceless treasures. Most of the copies are in national museums.

Why are they great?

Johann Gutenberg was great because he invented a machine that was the most revolutionary technology of that time. Although he did not invent printing, he did invent the Printing press which sparked a brand new way citizens received documents.

What is the effect of their accomplishments?

Gutenberg affected every one but mostly the rich. The people would receive documents and books much quicker by just printing the pages. Most of the rich would go out and buy books because they were very expensive. 

How do they represent the time period? 

They represent this period as man that came from a troubled family with legal troubles, and then became into a great celebrity.

Persuasive Evidence: 

 Why should the other students vote for your person?

Students should vote for Johann Gutenberg because he is great. The printing press has been brought a long way. Now we have fax machines, printers, and other things that use this type of technology. He created the first printed bible. He is the greatest person from the Renaissance era.

Bibliography: 

Include citations for places where you found information, images, etc.

http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi753.htm