6. In westem Europe a long-term effect of the invention of Gutenberg's printing press was that the A. monarchies were restored to absolute power B. feudal system declined C. development of new ideas was discouraged D. literacy rate increased 7. Which statement explains why the Renaissance began in Italy? A. Italy was not influenced by a classical heritage, B. The Italian city-states were wealthy centers of trade and manufacturing. C. Italy was politically unified by a strong central government. D. The Catholic Church did not have any influence in Italy. 8. Compared to medieval art Renaissance art was? A flatter and less lifelike B. less religious C. more realistic D. darker 9. The best synonym for secular is A. new. B. corrupt. C. humane. D. nonreligious.