AP European History : Political History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP European History

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Example Questions

Example Question #27 : War And Civil Conflict

Which of the following is the primary reason for the United States' entry into World War II in 1941?

Possible Answers:

The bombing of Pearl Harbor naval base by the Japanese

The sinking of the Lusitania by the Germans

The Zimmerman Telegram

Winston Churchill met with Franklin D. Roosevelt and convinced him to join the war on the side of the allies

The occupation of France, which forced the American leadership to enter the war to save its ally

Correct answer:

The bombing of Pearl Harbor naval base by the Japanese

Explanation:

The main and proximate cause of the American entrance into World War II in 1941 was the bombing of the American naval base at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. This event sparked outrage in the U.S and resulted in Roosevelt making the decision to enter the war on the side of its allies. Although inspired by Japanese aggression in the Pacific, the entry of the United States into the war is considered a major turning point in the European theatre of World War II.

Example Question #28 : War And Civil Conflict

What change did Charles I of England attempt to push onto the Scottish People which prompted them to revolt and invade England?

Possible Answers:

He attempted to make the throne of Scotland subservient to the Throne of England

He threatened to end the Scottish Clan system

He attempted to force them to join the Anglican Church

He attempted to force them into becoming part of the British Empire

Correct answer:

He attempted to force them to join the Anglican Church

Explanation:

Charles I attempted to force Scotland to join the Anglican church so the whole of his kingdom would follow one religion. While such action could be said to have direct and negative influence on the Scottish clan system, the issue really lay in the attempt to enforce Anglicanism on the population, so this is the best answer.

Example Question #29 : War And Civil Conflict

What was the strategic goal of the French invasion of Egypt?

Possible Answers:

To cut off the British from India

A bid to make allies out of British Colonies who could revolt against Britain

To gain a foothold in Africa and gain valuable supply routes

To demonstrate military superiority over the British

Correct answer:

To cut off the British from India

Explanation:

India was Britain's primary source of goods as well as people for work and soldiers. Taking Egypt would mean that the British would have to sail around the southern tip of Africa in order to reach India rather than take the shorter route through Egypt. Thus severely harming the British War effort.

Example Question #311 : Political History

Which of these battles did not take place during the War of the Third Coalition?

Possible Answers:

Battle of Trafalgar

Battle of Ulm

Battle of Austerlitz

Battle of Wagram

Correct answer:

Battle of Wagram

Explanation:

The Battle of Wagram took place in the War of the Fifth Coalition, and cemented the idea of total French superiority in the mind of Napoleon thus leading to his decision to invade Russia.

Example Question #314 : Political History

During his reign, Napoleon impacted Europe in all the following ways except __________.

Possible Answers:

he promoted religious tolerance

he created a system of written laws

he promoted the creation of an independent Polish State

his continental system was successful in defeating England

Correct answer:

his continental system was successful in defeating England

Explanation:

Napoleon's Continental System did adversely effect the British Economy, but it did not force Britain to surrender and join Napoleon's Coalition. Rather, it strengthened the resolve of Britain to remove Napoleon from power. All of the other answer options are true statements about Napoleon's actions during his rule.

Example Question #315 : Political History

Which of the following caused the English Civil War (1642-51)?

Possible Answers:

The arrival of William and Mary to England from Holland

The Stuart kings refusal to work together, and share power with, Parliament

The American Revolution

Mass starvation and lack of monarch support for the peasants

Correct answer:

The Stuart kings refusal to work together, and share power with, Parliament

Explanation:

Parliament sought a larger share of power in the British Government, and when the Kings of the Stuart line continually sought to govern without them, they decided to remove the king from power. The arrival of William and Mary and the American Revolution are not contemporaneous with the time period in question. The other two answers while chronologically possible are not considered primary causes of the English Civil War.

Example Question #316 : Political History

What action brought Napoleon to the forefront of the political world during the French Revolution?

Possible Answers:

The Suppression of a Royalist uprising in Paris

His invasion of Egypt

His successes commanding French troops early in the War of the First Coalition

His invasion of Italy

Correct answer:

The Suppression of a Royalist uprising in Paris

Explanation:

After successfully besieging and retaking the city of Toulon from the British, Napoleon was assigned to Paris to protect the government from any hostilities. in 1795 a Royalist uprising in Paris was swiftly put down by Napoleon, who was catapulted to the forefront of French politics as the savior of the Revolution.

Example Question #317 : Political History

The Spanish Armada sank in 1588, as part of what conflict?

Possible Answers:

Dutch War of Independence

Thirty Years War

The Wars of Religion

Anglo-Spanish War

Correct answer:

Anglo-Spanish War

Explanation:

The Anglo-Spanish War was fought over England's interference with Spanish ships attempting to subdue the Dutch Revolution as well as piracy on the part of English citizens who attacked Spanish galleons. The Anglo-Spanish War started in 1585 and lasted until 1604, when the Treaty of London called a halt to the conflict.

Example Question #318 : Political History

The Wars of Philip II of Spain revolved primarily around what nations revolt against Hapsburg rule?

Possible Answers:

Portugal

Austria

Italy

The Netherlands

Correct answer:

The Netherlands

Explanation:

The war of Dutch Independence raged for eight decades, and at one point or another involved several nations fighting with or against the Dutch cause. The war ended in 1648 with the Spanish Netherlands being divided into the newly independent Dutch Republic and the Spanish controlled Southern Netherlands.

Example Question #319 : Political History

Against what monarch did the English Parliament rise up against in the English Civil War?

Possible Answers:

Charles II

James VI

James I

Charles I

Correct answer:

Charles I

Explanation:

Charles I, the second Stuart King, sought to rule without the Parliament. Parliament sought to gain more influence over England, but when Charles would not share power they sought to remove him from power thus starting the war. The war lasted from 1642-1651, when it was resolved with the trial and execution of Charles I and the exile of his son Charles II, and the founding of the Protectorate under the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

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