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Invention of the printing press spread knowledge widely and created new opportunities for Jewish scholars and for Christian scholars to learn Jewish texts.
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The era of early modern Jewish history began with the invention of the printing press. The invention of the printing press spread Jewish texts among Jews and Christians. It allowed Jews to own texts, which became more affordable and available. In 1484, the Soncino publishers published the first tractate of the Babylonian Talmud.
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Jews from the expulsion migrated to different countries across Europe and North Africa. Spain’s edict also changed other countries’ perception of the Jew. For example, in Portugal, the Jews were initially accepted, but in 1496 also forced the Jews to leave or, in 1497 be baptized. The Jews in Spain had prospered and contributed to their country, and the expulsion reversed their situation. Jews come into contact with Jews from different backgrounds and origins.
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Jews spread around Europe, and even faraway places like the Americas, after leaving Spain.
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Many Jews (and Marranos) follow false messiahs, and then are disillusioned after the messiahs was shown to be false. Shabbetai Zvi claims to be messiah, then converts, shattering the Jewish world.
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Jewish self-governments in Polish lands, then grew to be used in other countries including Lithuania. Led to the decline of rabbinic power on social issues, and rise of lay leadership.
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