AP World History Final Exam Practice Test

The correct answer is "Muslim and Chinese merchants came to monopolize Atlantic trade." This answer is incorrect because the Columbian exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, technology, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world following Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The other three options all relate to different aspects of the Columbian exchange, such as the spread of diseases, crops, and migration of people.

The assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the immediate cause for the outbreak of World War I. This event, which took place in June 1914, triggered a series of diplomatic and military actions that eventually led to the war. The assassination heightened tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, leading to a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war among European powers. It was the spark that ignited the already volatile political climate and set off a global conflict.

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. It challenged traditional authority and advocated for political and social reforms. Both the French and American revolutions were heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas, such as the belief in natural rights and the concept of popular sovereignty. Intellectuals and thinkers of the time, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, played a significant role in shaping the revolutionary ideals and inspiring the masses to fight for their freedom and equality. Therefore, the Enlightenment can be considered as the chief intellectual cause of both revolutions.

Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, was a significant event in Nazi Germany that took place on November 9-10, 1938. It involved a series of coordinated attacks against Jews, their businesses, homes, and synagogues. The violence resulted in the destruction of numerous Jewish properties, the arrest and imprisonment of thousands of Jews, and the loss of many lives. This event marked a turning point in the persecution of Jews in Germany, as it signaled the intensification of anti-Semitic policies and the beginning of a more violent and systematic approach towards Jewish oppression.

The outbreak of World War I was primarily caused by rival systems of alliance, increased militarization of societies, and national rivalries between Balkan states. However, international courts of justice and organizations such as the Red Cross did not directly contribute to the outbreak of the war. These institutions were more focused on promoting peace and humanitarian efforts, rather than escalating conflicts.

Communism and Fascism have distinct differences in their ideologies and approaches. Communism aims for economic equality and the establishment of a classless society. It advocates for the collective well-being of the people as a whole. On the other hand, Fascism is characterized by a nationalistic approach, with a strong emphasis on the nation's interests and power. It is governed by an all-powerful dictator who exercises complete control. Therefore, the answer accurately describes the main differences between Fascism and Communism prior to World War II.

India differs from the other ex-colonial 20th Century nations such as Pakistan, Egypt, Burma (Myanmar), and Nigeria because it has preserved civilian and democratic rule of law and government since independence. This means that India has maintained a system where the power is held by the people through elected representatives and the rule of law is upheld, ensuring the protection of individual rights and freedoms. In contrast, the other nations mentioned may have experienced military interventions, religious strife, or a failure to develop a strong industrial and business sector.

The correct answer is that the mortality of slaves was high and their birth rate was low. This suggests that a large number of Africans and a high volume of slaves were necessary in order to maintain a stable population of enslaved individuals. The high mortality rate could have been due to harsh working conditions, disease, and mistreatment, while the low birth rate could have been a result of inadequate living conditions and limited access to healthcare for enslaved individuals.

European governments supported and encouraged overseas expeditions, while the Ming Chinese did not. This support and encouragement provided the necessary resources, funding, and political backing for European conquerors and navigators to sail and continue exploring. In contrast, the lack of support from the Ming Chinese government hindered their fleets in the Indian Ocean. This difference in government support played a crucial role in the success of European exploration and the failure of the Ming Chinese fleets.

Serfs differed from slaves in that they could not be bought or sold and owned some of the land they farmed. This means that serfs had a certain level of autonomy and were not considered property like slaves were. Serfs had the ability to work the land they owned and had some control over their own labor. In contrast, slaves were considered property and could be bought, sold, and owned by others without any rights or ownership of land.

Buddhism denied the need for caste, rites, and sacrifice to achieve nirvana. This means that in Buddhism, one's social status or birth does not determine their spiritual progress or ability to attain enlightenment. Additionally, Buddhism does not emphasize the performance of rituals or sacrifices as a means to achieve nirvana. Instead, it focuses on the individual's personal efforts, such as practicing meditation and following the Eightfold Path, to attain liberation from suffering and reach enlightenment. This sets Buddhism apart from Hinduism, which traditionally upholds the importance of caste, rituals, and sacrifices in spiritual practices.

Confucian social relationships emphasized the establishment of a hierarchical structure and the importance of reciprocal duties between individuals. This means that individuals were expected to fulfill their responsibilities and obligations based on their position in society. The hierarchical structure ensured order and stability, while reciprocal duties promoted harmony and cooperation among people.

The rise of agriculture was the most responsible transformation for moving humans toward civilizations. This is because the development of agriculture allowed humans to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled one. With the ability to grow crops and domesticate animals, humans were able to establish permanent settlements, leading to the growth of towns and cities. Agriculture also provided a stable food supply, which allowed for population growth and the development of specialized classes within society. The use of fire and the growth of towns and cities were important factors as well, but they were secondary to the rise of agriculture.

Gunpowder is not an example of a technological innovation that contributed to voyages of exploration between 1450 and 1750. While gunpowder was certainly a significant technological advancement during this time period, it was primarily used for warfare and not specifically for exploration purposes. On the other hand, the lateen sail, caravels, and the astrolabe were all crucial innovations that greatly aided in the navigation and efficiency of voyages of exploration during this era.

The goals of the Bolsheviks in leading a revolution in Russia in the early 1900s were to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish a government for the proletariat. The Bolsheviks aimed to create a socialist society where the working class would have control and power, as opposed to the ruling elite. They sought to implement policies that would benefit the working class, redistribute wealth, and create a more equal society. By overthrowing the Provisional Government, the Bolsheviks aimed to take control and establish their own government that would prioritize the interests of the proletariat.

The 17th Century Scientific Revolution in Western Europe was heavily influenced by Greek rational philosophies and classical scientists, such as Aristotle. During this period, European scholars began to question traditional beliefs and turned towards rational thinking and empirical observation. They drew inspiration from the works of ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, who emphasized logic and reason in understanding the natural world. These ideas laid the foundation for the scientific method and led to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields, marking a significant shift in scientific thinking during the 17th century.

The Crusades resulted in the establishment of cultural and economic contact between Western Europe and the Middle East. As European armies traveled to the Holy Land, they came into contact with different cultures, ideas, and goods. This led to an exchange of knowledge, technology, and trade between the two regions. The Crusades also sparked an interest in the Middle East among Europeans, leading to increased exploration and trade in the following centuries. Additionally, the Crusades brought back ancient Greek and Roman texts, which had been preserved in the Middle East, to Europe, contributing to the Renaissance and the spread of knowledge.

The Roman classic culture borrowed heavily, especially from the Greek and Hellenistic States. This is evident in various aspects of Roman culture, including their art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and even their political and social systems. The Romans admired and emulated Greek culture, incorporating many Greek ideas, styles, and practices into their own society. They adopted Greek gods and goddesses, adapted Greek myths and legends, and even imitated Greek artistic techniques. The influence of the Hellenistic States, which were a blend of Greek and Eastern cultures, also played a significant role in shaping Roman culture. Overall, Roman classic culture was characterized by its extensive borrowing and assimilation of ideas and practices from other civilizations.

The correct answer is "Built floating agricultural islands on the lake." This is because Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, was located on an island in Lake Texcoco. To overcome the lack of arable land, the Aztecs constructed artificial islands called chinampas. These floating gardens were made by layering mud and vegetation on rafts, creating fertile land for growing crops. This innovative agricultural technique allowed the Aztecs to produce a significant amount of food to sustain their population.

Under the doctrine of mercantilism, Spain and Portugal encouraged their Latin American colonies to buy manufactured goods only from the mother country. This was a key principle of mercantilism, which aimed to enrich the mother country by maximizing exports and minimizing imports. By restricting the colonies' ability to trade with other nations, Spain and Portugal sought to maintain a favorable balance of trade and ensure a steady flow of wealth back to the mother country. This policy helped to strengthen the economies of Spain and Portugal, but it also limited the economic development of their colonies.

During the 19th century, the success of European colonial acquisitions can be attributed to their superior military and transportation technologies. European powers had advanced weaponry and military strategies that allowed them to overpower and conquer native populations. Additionally, their advanced transportation technologies, such as steamships and railroads, enabled them to efficiently navigate and control vast territories, further facilitating their colonial expansion. This combination of military superiority and efficient transportation played a significant role in the success of European colonial acquisitions.

The Manchu (Qing) rulers reinforced much of the Confucian value system, including the family. This is evident from their policies and practices which aimed at preserving traditional Chinese culture and social structure. They promoted Confucian teachings and rituals, emphasized filial piety and respect for elders, and upheld the hierarchical family structure. Additionally, they implemented policies that restricted intermarriage between Manchu and Han Chinese, further reinforcing the importance of maintaining distinct ethnic identities and family traditions.

The correct answer is "There was a religious upsurge as a result of social and economical problems." This answer suggests that at the end of the Classical Age, there was a rise in religious beliefs and practices due to various social and economic issues. This explanation implies that people turned to religion as a way to find solace and meaning in a time of turmoil and instability. It also implies that belief systems were able to adapt and survive despite the collapse of Classical Civilizations.

The purpose of the First Crusade in 1095 was to get to Jerusalem. This was a military campaign initiated by Pope Urban II with the goal of recapturing the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Crusaders believed that Jerusalem should be under Christian control and saw the expedition as a way to fulfill their religious duty and secure their place in heaven. The Crusaders successfully captured Jerusalem in 1099, establishing several Christian states in the region.

The spread of Christianity did not directly contribute to the decline and fall of Rome. In fact, Christianity played a significant role in the later Roman Empire, providing a unifying force and moral framework. The decline and fall of Rome can be attributed to factors such as nomadic invasions by groups like the Visigoths and Vandals, the collapse of effective government and political instability, as well as plagues that caused significant population decline.

The correct answer is "Political power was centralized, and the Emperor's authority was restored." This statement is a fact about the policies of the Meiji Restoration. During this period in Japanese history, political power was indeed centralized, with the Emperor being reinstated as the central authority. This marked a significant shift from the previous feudal system and contributed to the modernization and westernization of Japan.

During the Golden Age of the Gupta Empire, various achievements took place, including the making of a strong, less-centralized state. This means that the power and authority were not concentrated solely in the central government, but were distributed among different regions. Additionally, Hinduism was adopted as the main religion, and the Caste System was used to maintain social order. The discovery of π (Pi) and Zero, along with the use of a decimal system, also occurred during this time. However, the virtual freedom of women from their male counterparts was not an achievement of the Gupta Empire, as women still faced various restrictions and limitations in society.

Manorialism was a socio-economic system that prevailed in medieval Europe. It was characterized by several conditions, including most peasants being serfs, peasants being obligated to give their lord a portion of their produce, and low levels of production and technology. However, manors and peasants did not depend on merchants for most necessities. Instead, manors were largely self-sufficient, with peasants producing their own food and goods within the manor. They relied on their own resources and the land they cultivated rather than external merchants for their basic needs.

During the Postclassical period, China had a pattern of maintaining its dominance over neighboring states without directly occupying them or incorporating them into the Chinese Empire. Instead, these states were expected to acknowledge Chinese superiority and pay tribute to China, while still retaining their independence. This allowed China to exert its influence and control over the region without the need for military occupation or formal treaties.

The correct answer is the first option, "Began with the fall of Rome and ended with the decline of Europe's feudal and religious institutions." This is because the Middle Ages in Europe is generally considered to have started after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and lasted until the 15th century. During this time, feudalism and the influence of the Catholic Church were prominent aspects of European society, and both of these institutions experienced a decline towards the end of the Middle Ages.

The Greeks never developed a major religion. Unlike the Hindus, Persians, and Chinese who had well-established religious systems, the Greeks did not have a centralized religious authority or a unified set of beliefs. Instead, they practiced a polytheistic religion with various gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life. Greek mythology played a significant role in their religious practices, but it did not evolve into a formalized religion like Buddhism, Daoism, or other major religions.

The Japanese Industrial Revolution brought about various social and cultural changes in Japan. One of these changes was the massive population growth due to better nutrition and medical provisions. As people's living conditions improved, the population increased significantly. Another change was the explosive growth of towns as rural populations migrated to cities in search of employment opportunities in the newly emerging industries. Additionally, there was an increased emphasis on technological and scientific education as Japan aimed to modernize its industries and compete with Western powers. However, the secularization of Japanese society, which refers to the declining influence of religion and the separation of religious and governmental institutions, was not a direct result of the Industrial Revolution.

The "Mandate of Heaven" concept was designed to promote loyalty to the Emperor, emphasize the Emperor's connection to his subjects, and provide an explanation for the decline of dynasties. However, it did not promote priests' control of the state. This concept was rooted in the belief that the Emperor's right to rule came from a divine mandate, and it was used to justify the Emperor's authority and maintain social order. While priests may have had influence and played a role in religious rituals, the concept did not promote their control over the state.

Christianity spread to the Balkans and Russia through missionary activities. Missionaries were individuals who were dedicated to spreading the teachings of Christianity to non-believers. They traveled to different regions, including the Balkans and Russia, to convert people to Christianity and establish churches. Through their efforts, the religion gradually gained followers and became widespread in these areas.

Portugal is the correct answer because it was the first Western European nation to establish an overseas empire in the 15th Century. Through the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portugal began exploring and colonizing new territories, including Africa, Asia, and South America. This period of exploration and colonization, known as the Age of Discovery, laid the foundation for Portugal's vast overseas empire and established it as a major global power during that time.

The European-educated colonial peoples tended to cling to their European rulers because they had been educated in European institutions and were influenced by European culture and ideas. However, they also became the leaders of future independence movements because their education and exposure to European ideas made them aware of the injustices and inequalities of colonial rule. They used their knowledge and skills to mobilize and organize resistance against the colonizers, eventually leading to the independence of their colonies.

Coffee is not considered a staple crop of early Mesoamerica because it is not native to the region. Maize, potatoes, and beans were all important staple crops that were cultivated and consumed by the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica such as the Maya and Aztecs. However, coffee was introduced to the region much later, during the colonial period, by European settlers. Therefore, it is not included in the list of staple crops of early Mesoamerica.

The correct answer is Athens encouraged education for women, while Sparta did not. This statement is the exception because both Athens and Sparta did not prioritize education for women. In Athens, women were primarily expected to manage the household and raise children, while in Sparta, women were expected to focus on physical fitness and produce strong offspring for the military. Education in both societies was mainly reserved for males.

The export of silver from the Americas caused a sharp inflation in Western Europe because the influx of silver increased the money supply, leading to higher prices. It also led to the increasing impoverishment and bankruptcy of Spain as the Spanish government heavily relied on silver exports to finance its wars and expenses. Additionally, the export of silver helped Spain pay for its religious and dynastic wars. However, it did not discourage foreign rivals and pirates as the increased wealth from silver attracted more competition and attacks from other European powers and pirates.

Kublai Khan's major concern in governing China was to avoid the Mongols being assimilated by Chinese culture and practices. This can be inferred from the fact that Kublai Khan implemented policies to maintain a distinct Mongol identity and prevent cultural assimilation. He discouraged intermarriage between Mongols and Chinese, maintained separate legal systems for Mongols and Chinese, and promoted Mongol traditions and customs. By doing so, Kublai Khan aimed to preserve Mongol culture and prevent the Mongols from losing their identity in the Chinese-dominated society.

Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, possessed several characteristics, but one of them was not an extremely kind and outgoing attitude towards his subjects. Despite being known for his religious tolerance and following the teachings of Buddhism, Ashoka was initially a ruthless and ambitious ruler who expanded the Mauryan Empire through military conquests. However, after witnessing the horrors of war, he underwent a transformation and embraced Buddhism, leading him to promote peace and non-violence. While he issued laws and edicts promoting humane treatment of others, his early rule was marked by a more authoritarian approach rather than kindness and outgoingness towards his subjects.

The correct answer suggests that sedentary agriculture originated in the Middle East before spreading to other regions. However, it also states that the development of agriculture in other areas occurred independently, meaning that it was not a direct result of the Middle East's influence. This explanation implies that while the Middle East may have been the initial source of sedentary agriculture, other societies independently discovered and adopted agricultural practices in their own unique ways.

Archaeologists use various methods to learn about prehistoric people's lives. They study traces of early settlements to understand how people lived in the past. They also determine the age and meaning of ancient artifacts to gain insights into their culture and practices. By studying each region's cultural identities, archaeologists can understand the diversity and similarities among prehistoric societies. Discovering and interpreting fossils helps in understanding ancient environments and the species that lived in them. However, mapping ancient trade routes to determine the distribution of goods is not a method used by archaeologists to learn about prehistoric people's lives.

In Western Europe following the religious wars in the 16th and 17th Centuries, the different Christian sects accepted a limited toleration of other groups. This means that although there was still some level of religious tolerance, it was not complete or unrestricted. This limited toleration allowed for coexistence between different Christian groups, but it did not grant full religious freedoms or restore Christian unity. The other options, such as the reestablishment of the popes' dominant positions or the restoration of Christian unity without the pope as the head of the Church, are not supported by the information given in the question.

Rome successfully expanded for several reasons. Firstly, it possessed a disciplined and trained military, which allowed it to conquer and control new territories. Secondly, the Roman government proved to be flexible and tolerant, which helped in maintaining stability in the conquered regions. Additionally, Roman leaders had a policy of making citizens out of conquered elites, which helped to integrate these elites into the Roman society. However, the statement that Rome had no organized and powerful rivals to oppose expansion in the area is incorrect. Rome did face opposition from various powerful rivals such as Carthage, Gauls, and Parthians, which it had to overcome in order to expand its empire.

The schism between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches was not due to Muslim influence on the Orthodox branch of Christianity. The other options, such as Papal interference in Byzantine political and religious affairs, dispute over the type of bread to be used in religious ceremonies, and the Byzantine State controlling the Church in the Eastern lands, were contributing factors to the schism.

The correct answer is that Enlightenment philosophies were founded on the rational approach of the Scientific Revolution. The Enlightenment was heavily influenced by the ideas and methods of the Scientific Revolution. The Scientific Revolution emphasized the use of reason, observation, and experimentation to understand the natural world, which laid the foundation for the Enlightenment's belief in the power of human reason and the pursuit of knowledge. The Enlightenment philosophers built upon the scientific discoveries and applied the rational approach to various areas of human life, including politics, ethics, and social organization.

Chinese belief systems differ from single-deity religions and polytheism most in their secular emphasis and lack of identifiable gods to worship. Unlike single-deity religions that focus on the worship of a specific god or polytheism that involves the worship of multiple gods, Chinese belief systems do not prioritize the worship of deities. Instead, they place more importance on secular matters such as correct behavior and performance of rituals and rites. This distinguishes Chinese belief systems from other religious practices that heavily rely on the worship of gods.

Under the emperors after Justinian, the chief concern of the Byzantine state was the defense against Slavs, Russians, and Arab invaders. This is because during this time period, the Byzantine Empire faced constant threats from these external forces. The Slavs, Russians, and Arab invaders posed a significant military and territorial threat to the Byzantine Empire, and defending against them became a top priority for the Byzantine state.

Buddhism spread primarily as a result of its monastic community. The monastic community played a crucial role in the propagation of Buddhism by actively engaging in missionary activities, spreading the teachings of Buddha, and establishing monasteries and educational institutions. The monks and nuns traveled extensively, translating Buddhist scriptures into local languages and attracting followers through their exemplary way of life. Their commitment to renunciation and spiritual practice inspired many individuals to embrace Buddhism, leading to its widespread dissemination across different regions and cultures.