The spread of the Enlightenment across Europe was influenced by several factors, primarily the rise of print culture, the growth of the middle class, and increased access to education. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century dramatically facilitated the dissemination of new ideas through books, pamphlets, and periodicals. Philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant challenged traditional authority and promoted reason, liberty, and individual rights. Social changes, including urbanization and the rise of salons where intellectuals gathered, also contributed to Enlightenment ideals gaining traction. Ultimately, these factors combined to foster a culture of inquiry and debate that reshaped European thought.