AP European History : Politics and Society
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Example Questions
Example Question #21 : Politics And Society
Which event led to the creation of a unified Spain?
The Truce of 1398 negotiated by Pope Sixtus V
The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile
The election of the first Spanish pope
The war against England initiated by Philip II
The accession of Cosimo de’ Medici to the Duchy of Barcelona
The marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile
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 #22 : Politics And Society
In early England, what was a Fyrd?
A place to cross a river
A national standing army
An area with many inlets to the sea
Early gaelic word for field
The lowest class in Anglo-Saxon Hierarchy
A national standing army
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 #23 : Politics And Society
Which of Henry VIII's wives survived her marriage to the king?
Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr
Katherine Parr and Anne Boleyn
Katherine Howard and Catherine of Aragon
Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour
Anne of Cleves and Katherine Parr
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 #24 : 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?
King Henry VIII in his speech to parliament after his coronation
Queen Elizabeth I in her Golden Speech
Queen Elizabeth II at the end of WWII
Queen Elizabeth I in her Tilbury Speech
Queen Elizabeth I in her Tilbury Speech
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 #25 : Politics And Society
What famous Queen did Queen Elizabeth I have beheaded?
Queen Isabella of Spain
Anne Boleyn
Mary Queen of Scots
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Mary Queen of Scots
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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