Question: was there a similar point in history that was so effective in giving power to the common individual as what computers have done the last 20-30 years?

Probably it started with the printing press and movable type. Later, the mimeograph and photocopier. But 'mimeo' and 'xerox' both were well before the last thirty years - although samizdat and it's close cousin the 'zine' are still useful and used today. Especially in places where the web is heavily censored or monitored. Samizdat was a material factor in bringing down the Soviet Union - and later preventing the success of a coup that attempted to bring it back.

Prior to the web I think BBSs and Fidonet in particular could be considered equally empowering. Many of Fido founder Tom Jenning's less radical views fit in very well with current F/OSS principles.

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