AP World History Practice Test Notes

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions

Questions 1-3 (Lord li's Letter, 1847 - Japan)

Context: Lord li expresses concern about the advanced military and naval technology of foreign states (Western powers) and warns that Japan must modernize to avoid disaster.

Question 1: Which event reflects Lord li's concerns?

(D) Commodore Perry forcing Japan to open its ports to trade: This is the correct answer. Perry's arrival demonstrated the military superiority of the West and forced Japan to end its isolationist policy.

Question 2: How did Japan respond to these concerns?

(C) The country sent emissaries to study western democracies and industry: Japan embarked on a program of rapid modernization, sending officials and scholars to the West to learn about their political, economic, and military systems.

Question 3: What is the era following this passage known as?

(A) Meiji Restoration: This period was characterized by rapid industrialization, modernization, and westernization.

Questions 4-6 (The Upanishads, India, c. 1000 BCE)

Context: This passage from the Upanishads discusses Brahman, the ultimate reality in Hinduism.

Question 4: What is true of Brahman based on the quote?

(A) He is found everywhere and contained in everything: Brahman is described as encompassing the entire universe and being present in all things.

Question 5: Which statement is true of the speaker's religion?

(B) There is an expectation of an afterlife: The passage refers to coming to Brahman after death, implying a belief in an afterlife.

Question 6: To which religion does the speaker most likely belong?

(A) Hinduism: The Upanishads are foundational texts of Hinduism.

Questions 7-9 (Alfred Crosby on the Columbian Exchange)

Context: Alfred Crosby describes the introduction of Eurasian and African crops and fruits to America as a result of Spanish colonization.

Question 7: The comment quoted resulted from which of the following processes?- (B) The Columbian Exchange: This refers to the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia) and the New World (Americas) following Columbus's voyages.

Question 8: What was the impact of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas?

(A) The population of the Americas experienced sharp declines due to the introduction of new diseases: The introduction of diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza decimated the indigenous populations of the Americas, who had no immunity to these diseases.

Question 9: What was the impact of the Columbian Exchange on Europe?

(D) American foods spurred a population increase because of improved diets: The introduction of crops such as potatoes and maize (corn) from the Americas to Europe led to improved diets and increased agricultural productivity, which in turn supported a larger population.

Questions 10-12 (Olaudah Equiano Describes the Middle Passage)

Context: Olaudah Equiano recounts the horrific conditions of the Middle Passage, the journey of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 10: What does Equiano describe in this passage?

(A) The Middle Passage: Equiano vividly portrays the suffering and dehumanization of enslaved Africans during their transportation to the Americas.

Question 11: What was the most common cause of death on the voyage described in the passage?

(C) Disease: Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions on slave ships led to the rapid spread of diseases, resulting in high mortality rates.

Question 12: Why were the enslaved so willing to die, according to Equiano?

(B) Horrors of enslavement seemed worse than death: The extreme brutality and dehumanization of enslavement led many to view death as a preferable alternative.

Questions 13-15 (Benin Bronze Plaques)

Context: The Benin bronze plaques depict various aspects of life in the Kingdom of Benin, including the king, court officials, and warriors.

Question 13: What does the passage describe?

(D) An African kingdom trading with the Portuguese: The plaques illustrate the interactions between the Kingdom of Benin and Portuguese traders, including the exchange of goods and diplomatic relations.

Question 14: Which conclusion about the Kingdom of Benin can be drawn from the plaques?

(A) The kingdom had a highly developed artistic culture: The intricate and detailed craftsmanship of the plaques demonstrates a sophisticated artistic tradition.

Question 15: What primary source can prove this passage?

(C) The Benin Plaques: The Benin Plaques are the artifacts being discussed in the passage, which in themselves act as a primary source.

Questions 16-18 (Machiavelli, The Prince)

Context: Machiavelli argues that a prince should prioritize the security and stability of the state above all else, even if it requires using morally questionable tactics.

Question 16: The author's point of view is

(B) Rulers should do whatever they need to maintain power: Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of pragmatic leadership and the willingness to use any means necessary to ensure the survival of the state.

Question 17: According to Machiavelli, the main goal of a prince should be to:

(C) Maintain power: Machiavelli asserts that the primary objective of a ruler is to preserve and strengthen their authority.

Question 18: A ruler who follows Machiavelli's advice most likely did what?

(D) Centralized authority: Machiavelli advocated for strong, centralized leadership to maintain order and stability within the state.

Questions 19-21 (Balancing of Benefits and Powers by Hongwu Emperor)

Context: The Hongwu Emperor discusses his policy of balancing benefits and powers among different groups in Chinese society.

Question 19: The author was most likely a what?

(A) Emperor: the author, the Hongwu Emperor describes policies that he himself put in to place.

Question 20: What inferences can be made about the powers of lords?

(B) They could not threaten the throne: The primary goal of the Hongwu emperor was to secure his own power, and the power of the throne.

Question 21: The emperors' policies of dealing with lords was most similar to what?

(D) limiting noble power in Europe: The Hongwu emperor maintained noble power, but restricted it as well. European monarchs would similarly restrict noble power.

Questions 22-24 (Account of Zheng He's voyages)

Context: This text describes Zheng He's voyages during the Ming Dynasty, which showcased China's power and wealth to the world.

Question 22: What was Zheng He's primary goal?

(C) Impress foreign people with the power of the Ming Dynasty: Zheng He's voyages were primarily diplomatic and symbolic, aimed at demonstrating China's strength.

Question 23: How did Zheng He's voyages affect China?

(A) They expanded China's diplomatic reach: Zheng He's expeditions established contacts with numerous foreign states, expanding China's diplomatic influence.

Question 24: What is a secondary source that could prove this passage?

(B) A textbook describing Ming Dynasty goals for exploration: A textbook would provide a general overview of the historical context surrounding Zheng He's voyages.

Questions 25-27 (Martin Luther's writing)

Context: Martin Luther articulates his belief in salvation through faith alone, challenging the Catholic Church's doctrine of salvation through works.

Question 25: Which reformer would agree with this passage?

(B) John Calvin: John Calvin, like Martin Luther believed in salvation through faith alone.

Question 26: What is Luther protesting against?

Question 27: What was the result of this writing?

(A) The beginning of the Protestant Reformation: Luther's writings sparked a widespread religious movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.

Questions 28-30 (Emperor Qianlong's letter to King George III)

Context: Emperor Qianlong politely rejects King George III's request for increased trade with China, asserting China's self-sufficiency and lack of need for British goods.

Question 28: What is Emperor Qianlong's POV?

(D) China does not need to trade because they are self-sufficient: Emperor Qianlong emphasizes China's economic independence and its ability to meet its own needs without relying on foreign trade.

Question 29: What did the British do in response to this letter?

(B) began selling opium to the Chinese people: Frustrated by their inability to establish equitable trade relations with China, the British East India Company resorted to selling opium.

Question 30: What was the result of the British response to the letter?

(A) The opium wars: The opium trade led to widespread addiction and social disruption in China, which ultimately resulted in the Opium Wars between China and Britain.

Questions 31-33 (Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen)

Context: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen proclaims the fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens, including liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Question 31: This passage resulted from what?

(C) The French Revolution: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was a key document of the French Revolution.

Question 32: Which enlightenment thinker inspired this passage the most?

(A) John Locke: John Locke's ideas about natural rights and limited government heavily influenced the Declaration.

Question 33: What similar document did this inspire?

(D) The Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen served as a model for other declarations of rights, including the American Declaration of Independence.

Questions 34-35 (Testimonial to the Sadler Committee)

Context: The Sadler Committee was tasked with investigating working conditions in British factories during the Industrial Revolution.

Question 34: What does this passage describe?

(B) Working conditions in factories: This testimony provides a firsthand account of the harsh realities faced by workers in factories during the Industrial Revolution.

Question 35: What was the result of reports like this?

(A) Parliament passed laws to protect workers: Public outcry over the exploitation of workers, particularly children, prompted the British government to enact legislation aimed at improving working conditions and limiting working hours.

Questions 36-38 (Communist Manifesto)

Context: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels outline the principles of communism, advocating for a classless society in which the means of production are owned communally.

Question 36: According to this passage, history is defined by what?

(B) Class struggle: Marx and Engels argued that history is driven by the conflict between different social classes over the control of resources and power.

Question 37: What does the author call for?

(D) Workers of the world to unite: Marx and Engels issued a call to action for the proletariat (working class) to unite and overthrow the bourgeoisie (ruling class).

Question 38: Which country first acted on these ideas?

(A) Russia: Russia became the first country to embrace communism as its official ideology following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Questions 39-41 (Social Darwinism)

Context: Herbert Spencer applies Darwinian principles to human society, arguing that individuals and groups are subject to the same laws of natural selection as plants and animals.

Question 39: This passage most closely relates to what idea?

(C) Social Darwinism: The idea that individuals and groups are subject to the same laws of natural selection as plants and animals

Question 40: According to this passage, who is most fit to rule?

(D) The wealthy: The passage suggests that those who are successful and powerful in society are inherently superior and therefore more fit to lead.

Question 41: What was the result of this line of thinking?

(A) Justification of imperialism: Social Darwinism was used to justify imperialism by arguing that Western powers were inherently superior and therefore had the right to colonize and control other nations.

Questions 42-44 (Cecil Rhodes "Confession of Faith")

Context: Cecil Rhodes articulates his belief in British racial superiority and his desire to expand British influence and control throughout the world.

Question 42: What is the point of view of the author?

(B) Believed that Anglo-Saxons were the first race in the world: Cecil Rhodes espoused a belief in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race and its manifest destiny to dominate the world.

Question 43: What could be a result of Rhodes's point of view?

(A) Imperialism: Rhodes's conviction in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race led him to advocate for the expansion of British influence and control over other nations.

Question 44: The Berlin Conference (1884) resulted most directly from what?

(D) Cecil Rhodes's point of view on racial superiority: Cecil Rhodes and other imperialists sought to divide and colonize Africa among themselves.

Questions 45-47 (Mohandas Gandhi, "Quit India" Speech)

Context: Mohandas Gandhi calls for the immediate independence of India from British rule, urging Indians to nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.

Question 45: What is the purpose of this passage?

(C) Immediate independence: Gandhi called for the immediate independence of India from British rule so that they could determine their own path

Question 46: Which of the following led to this speech?

(A) British imperialism: Gandhi fought against British Imperialism which he saw as a great injustice

Question 47: What was a result of speeches like this?

(B) India gained independence: Indian independence would come as a result of people listening to speeches such as this one which espoused that the British rule over the Indian people was unjust

Questions 48-50 (Charter of the United Nations)

Context: The Charter of the United Nations outlines the purposes and principles of the organization, including the maintenance of international peace and security.

Question 48: The UN was formed for what reason?

(D) To maintain international peace and security: The UN was formed to prevent future wars.

Question 49: The UN is inspired by which event?

(B) World War II: The UN was created to avoid future global conflicts

Question 50: One major success of the UN is:

(A) Providing a forum for negotiation: The UN has provided a forum for different countries to express their grievances in a non-violent way

Questions 51-53 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Context: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims the fundamental rights and freedoms of all human beings, regardless of race, sex, religion, or nationality.

Question 51: The UDHR most clearly resulted from what?

(A) Crimes committed during the holocaust: The UDHR was established to avoid future atrocities stemming from the holocaust

Question 52: The declaration most clearly defines what?

Question 53: Which organization is most responsible for upholding this declaration?

(D) The United Nations: The UN is most responsible for protecting the rights enshrined in the UDHR

Questions 54-55 (Deng Xiaoping, "To Get Rich Is Glorious")

Context: Deng Xiaoping defends his policy of economic reform and opening up in China, arguing that allowing some people to get rich will ultimately benefit society as a whole.

Question 54: This article resulted most directly from what?

(B) The failure of Mao Zedong's economic policies: Mao's economic policies left China impoverished at the time of his death, requiring new, innovative policies such as Deng's

Question 55: A result of this article was what?

(A)