Free AP European History Exam 1815-1914 Question and Answers

Question 1

Millions of people died as a result of the _______________________, a significant upheaval in 19th-century China that undermined the imperial government and made it dependent on assistance from Britain and France.

Accepted Answer

Taiping Rebellion

Answer

The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) was a massive civil war in 19th-century China that resulted in millions of deaths and severely weakened the Qing imperial government. This devastating conflict forced the dynasty to rely on foreign assistance from Britain and France to suppress the rebels, further undermining its authority and contributing to China's 'century of humiliation.'

Question 2

All of the following factors contributed to tensions between Britain and Germany between 1900 and 1914. EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Germany's alliance with Russia

Answer

Between 1900 and 1914, tensions between Britain and Germany were fueled by colonial rivalries, a naval arms race, and Germany's growing economic and military power. However, Germany did not have an alliance with Russia during this period; instead, Russia was allied with France and later Britain (forming the Triple Entente), while Germany was allied with Austria-Hungary and Italy (Triple Alliance).

Question 3

Bosnia-Herzegovina was seized by Austria-Hungary in 1908 to

Accepted Answer

block the creation of a greater Serbian kingdom

Answer

Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 primarily to prevent the expansion of Serbian influence and the potential creation of a 'Greater Serbia.' This move angered Serbia and its ally Russia, escalating tensions in the Balkans and contributing significantly to the complex web of alliances and rivalries that eventually led to the outbreak of World War I.

Question 4

Which of the following territories was under British rule in the 1800s and has not yet achieved independence?

Accepted Answer

Gibraltar

Answer

Of the options provided, Gibraltar remains a British Overseas Territory and has not yet achieved independence. Egypt gained independence in 1922, Cyprus in 1960, and Malta in 1964. Gibraltar's strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea has made it a historically significant British possession.

Question 5

During the 19th century, Britain and France assisted in maintaining the Ottoman Empire because

Accepted Answer

of fear that Russian power would penetrate into the Balkans

Answer

In the 19th century, Britain and France often supported the Ottoman Empire, notably during the Crimean War, primarily out of fear of Russian expansionism. They aimed to prevent Russia from gaining control of strategic territories in the Balkans and access to warm-water ports in the Mediterranean, which would upset the European balance of power. Maintaining the Ottoman Empire's integrity served as a buffer against Russian influence.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

Free AP European History Exam 1815-1914 Question and Answers