AP European History : War and Civil Conflict

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP European History

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Example Questions

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.

Example Question #321 : Political History

Which of the following is not part of the legacy of Louis XIV?

Possible Answers:

The French army became the strongest in Europe

French culture, manners, and customs became the European standard

France became a touchstone of religious tolerance

Louis greatly strengthened royal power

Correct answer:

France became a touchstone of religious tolerance

Explanation:

Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes, which had given protestants a measure of equality. Louis sought to unify the nation under Catholicism and often persecuted protestants.

Example Question #322 : Political History

Ivan the Terrible is infamous for his violent treatment of his enemies, subjects, and those closest to him. He even killed what member of his inner circle?

Possible Answers:

His wife, Anastasia Romanovna

General Alexander Gorbatyi-Shuisky

His son, Feodor

His son, Ivan

Correct answer:

His son, Ivan

Explanation:

Ivan the Terrible struck his son's wife, causing her to have a miscarriage. After these events Ivan confronted his father, Ivan the Terrible, and in a fit of rage Ivan the Terrible hit over the head with his septor killing him. Such tales of violence were a significant aspect of Ivan's reputation and lasting legacy.

Example Question #323 : Political History

What was the reason for French Wars of Religion between the French Government and the Huguenots in the 16th Century?

Possible Answers:

Huguenot attempts for independence

disagreement over the rightful heir to the throne

Regional autonomy

Religious differences

Correct answer:

Religious differences

Explanation:

The French government was controlled by the Catholic Royal family, while the Huguenots were Protestants who did not want to follow the orders of the Catholic King. These conflicts began in 1562 and lasted all the way to 1598, when it was resolved by the Edict of Nantes, after which Henry IV took over as ruler of France.

Example Question #324 : Political History

What was Louis XIV's primary method for achieving his foreign policy goals?

Possible Answers:

Diplomacy

Strategic marriages of his children, nieces, and nephews

Constant warfare

Alliance building

Correct answer:

Constant warfare

Explanation:

Louis XIV kept France in a near constant state of warfare. By the end of his reign France was left with virtually no allies, as they had gone to war with essentially every neighboring nation at least once.

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