AP European History : Politics and Society

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP European History

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Example Questions

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Example Question #121 : Ap European History

Which event led to the creation of a unified Spain?

Possible Answers:

The war against England initiated by Philip II

The election of the first Spanish pope

The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile

The Truce of 1398 negotiated by Pope Sixtus V

The accession of Cosimo de’ Medici to the Duchy of Barcelona

Correct answer:

The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile

Explanation:

The current country of Spain was divided into two primary kingdoms, Aragon and Castile, each led by a separate family. As was common during this time, a marriage was planned to unify the two kingdoms and make each more powerful than before. The two were married in 1469 when they were both still heirs to their respective thrones. After the marriage each inherited their own throne shortly after and the kingdoms were brought together. Of course this marriage did not completely unify the kingdoms and each continued to be ruled much as it had before, with its own officials, customs, and laws. This marriage did lead to the official unification later on and it made Ferdinand and Isabella two of the most powerful monarchs in Europe, where they were known for wielding their power to defend the Catholic faith. 

Example Question #21 : Politics And Society

In early England, what was a Fyrd?

Possible Answers:

A place to cross a river

An area with many inlets to the sea

Early gaelic word for field

The lowest class in Anglo-Saxon Hierarchy

A national standing army

Correct answer:

A national standing army

Explanation:

A Fyrd was an early English standing national army, commanded by its king. This is important to know because at the time few other countries were even unified. Much less having their own standing national army. England was setting the trend for how European countries would operate through the medieval era. 

Example Question #22 : Politics And Society

Which of Henry VIII's wives survived her marriage to the king?

Possible Answers:

Katherine Howard and Catherine of Aragon 

Katherine Parr and Anne Boleyn 

Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr 

Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour 

Correct answer:

Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr 

Explanation:

Anne of Cleves survived marriage to Henry VIII because the two almost immediately realized they were incompatible. Anne granted Henry a divorce, became the king's sister and lived her life in riches and high esteem. Katherine Parr was lucky number six and outlived Henry so she too survived.

Example Question #23 : Politics And Society

What famous monarch said, "I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too," and in what speech?

Possible Answers:

Queen Elizabeth II at the end of WWII 

Queen Elizabeth I in her Golden Speech 

King Henry VIII in his speech to parliament after his coronation 

Queen Elizabeth I in her Tilbury Speech

Correct answer:

Queen Elizabeth I in her Tilbury Speech

Explanation:

Queen Elizabeth I gave a famous speech at Tilbury after the defeat of the Spanish Armada. All throughout her reign Elizabeth had issues with her advisors, parliament, and people because of her gender. Though she was one of England's and the Tudor's most successful rulers, her reign was not without it challenges. One of the greatest came at the end of her reign when King Phillip of Spain attacked with his famous Spanish armada. This quote came from Queen Elizabeth I's final great speech to her people after a great triumph. 

Example Question #125 : Ap European History

What famous Queen did Queen Elizabeth I have beheaded? 

Possible Answers:

Anne Boleyn

Mary Queen of Scots

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Queen Isabella of Spain

Correct answer:

Mary Queen of Scots

Explanation:

Elizabeth I had her cousin the queen of Scotland, Queen Mary beheaded after years of imprisonment. Mary Queen of Scots represented a threat on multiple fronts; not only was she younger, beautiful, had a legitimate male heir, and was a catholic. Mary also had a legitimate claim to the thrown as a legitimate descendant of Henry VII. Elizabeth's legitimacy was questionable due to the nature of her parents' marriage.

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