This comprehensive practice test covers the key themes and concepts of AP World History: Modern Unit 1, focusing on the period from 1450 to 1750. Use this resource to assess your understanding and identify areas needing further review. Remember to time yourself – aim for roughly 45 minutes to simulate exam conditions. Good luck!
Section 1: Multiple Choice (1-25)
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.
-
Which of the following technological innovations revolutionized shipbuilding and global trade during the 15th and 16th centuries?
- (a) The printing press
- (b) The astrolabe
- (c) The caravel
- (d) The magnetic compass
-
The Columbian Exchange primarily involved the exchange of which of the following between the Old World and the New World?
- (a) Manufactured goods and raw materials
- (b) Plants, animals, and diseases
- (c) Religious ideas and cultural practices
- (d) All of the above
-
The transatlantic slave trade most significantly impacted which of the following regions?
- (a) Europe and Asia
- (b) Africa and the Americas
- (c) The Middle East and India
- (d) Australia and Oceania
-
The rise of mercantilism in Europe during the early modern period was characterized by:
- (a) Free trade and laissez-faire economics
- (b) Government regulation to maximize national wealth
- (c) Emphasis on individual economic freedom
- (d) Rejection of colonial expansion
-
Which of the following empires dominated maritime trade in the Indian Ocean during the 15th and 16th centuries?
- (a) The Ottoman Empire
- (b) The Mughal Empire
- (c) The Portuguese Empire
- (d) The Spanish Empire
(Continue questions 6-25 following the same format as above, covering topics such as the Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the growth of empires (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Ottoman, Mughal, Russian), and significant global interactions.)
Section 2: Short Answer (26-30)
Instructions: Answer the following questions concisely and thoroughly, demonstrating your understanding of the key concepts.
-
Briefly explain the impact of the printing press on the Reformation.
-
Compare and contrast the methods used by the Spanish and Portuguese to establish and maintain their empires in the Americas.
-
Analyze the role of silver in the global economy during the early modern period.
-
Describe the major characteristics of the Enlightenment and its influence on political thought.
-
Discuss the social and economic consequences of the transatlantic slave trade in Africa.
Section 3: Essay (31)
Instructions: Write a well-organized essay addressing the following prompt. Ensure your essay includes a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a strong conclusion.
- To what extent did the early modern period (1450-1750) witness a global interconnectedness that transcended regional boundaries? Support your argument with specific examples from at least three different regions.
Answer Key (Provided Separately): For best results, attempt the practice test first without looking at the answer key. Then, review your answers and focus on areas where you struggled.
Further Study Resources: Consult your textbook, class notes, and other supplementary materials to reinforce your understanding of the topics covered in this practice test. Remember that consistent review and practice are crucial for success on the AP World History exam. This practice test is designed to help you succeed and understand the intricacies of this vital period of global history.
