AP European History 200 questions with answers and rationales verified and
brand new
Renaissance and Reformation (Questions 1–30)
1. Which of the following best characterizes the humanist philosophy of the
Italian Renaissance?
(A) Rejection of all religious faith
(B) Emphasis on individual potential and classical learning
(C) Focus on scholastic theology and monastic life
(D) Support for absolute monarchy
Answer: B
Rationale: Humanism stressed studia humanitatis (grammar, rhetoric, history,
poetry, moral philosophy) based on Greek/Roman classics, and individual
achievement (Petrarch, Pico della Mirandola).
2. Machiavelli’s The Prince (1513) most directly challenged the medieval idea that
rulers should:
(A) Expand trade
(B) Be guided by Christian moral principles
,(C) Use mercenary armies
(D) Rely on feudal lords
Answer: B
Rationale: Machiavelli separated politics from ethics, advising rulers to do evil
when necessary for state security, breaking with the “mirror for princes”
tradition.
3. The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg around 1450 contributed
most directly to:
(A) The decline of vernacular literature
(B) The spread of Reformation ideas
(C) The rise of baroque art
(D) The end of the Inquisition
Answer: B
Rationale: Mass production of pamphlets and Bibles (e.g., Luther’s 95 Theses,
1517) allowed rapid dissemination of religious dissent across Europe.
4. In Martin Luther’s theology, salvation is achieved through:
(A) Faith alone (sola fide) and scripture alone (sola scriptura)
(B) Good works and indulgences
,(C) The sacraments administered only by the pope
(D) Mystical visions
Answer: A
Rationale: Luther rejected the Catholic sacramental system, arguing that faith in
Christ’s sacrifice justifies sinners, and the Bible is the sole authority.
5. The Peasants’ War (1524–1525) in Germany:
(A) Was supported by Luther
(B) Was brutally suppressed, with Luther condemning the peasants
(C) Led to the first Protestant kingdom
(D) Ended serfdom permanently
Answer: B
Rationale: Luther initially appealed for compromise but later wrote Against the
Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, urging nobles to crush the revolt.
6. The Peace of Augsburg (1555) established which principle?
(A) Religious toleration for all Christians
(B) Cuius regio, eius religio (whose realm, his religion)
(C) Freedom of worship for Calvinists
(D) Papal supremacy over German states
, Answer: B
Rationale: It allowed German princes to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism
for their territory; Anabaptists and Calvinists were excluded.
7. John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination held that:
(A) All people will be saved
(B) God has already chosen who will be saved (the elect), and nothing can change
that
(C) Good deeds guarantee salvation
(D) The pope can forgive all sins
Answer: B
Rationale: Calvin emphasized divine sovereignty; the elect are known by their
moral conduct, but the choice is God’s alone.
8. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) was part of the:
(A) Protestant Reformation
(B) Catholic (Counter) Reformation
(C) Renaissance humanist movement
(D) Scientific Revolution
Answer: B
brand new
Renaissance and Reformation (Questions 1–30)
1. Which of the following best characterizes the humanist philosophy of the
Italian Renaissance?
(A) Rejection of all religious faith
(B) Emphasis on individual potential and classical learning
(C) Focus on scholastic theology and monastic life
(D) Support for absolute monarchy
Answer: B
Rationale: Humanism stressed studia humanitatis (grammar, rhetoric, history,
poetry, moral philosophy) based on Greek/Roman classics, and individual
achievement (Petrarch, Pico della Mirandola).
2. Machiavelli’s The Prince (1513) most directly challenged the medieval idea that
rulers should:
(A) Expand trade
(B) Be guided by Christian moral principles
,(C) Use mercenary armies
(D) Rely on feudal lords
Answer: B
Rationale: Machiavelli separated politics from ethics, advising rulers to do evil
when necessary for state security, breaking with the “mirror for princes”
tradition.
3. The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg around 1450 contributed
most directly to:
(A) The decline of vernacular literature
(B) The spread of Reformation ideas
(C) The rise of baroque art
(D) The end of the Inquisition
Answer: B
Rationale: Mass production of pamphlets and Bibles (e.g., Luther’s 95 Theses,
1517) allowed rapid dissemination of religious dissent across Europe.
4. In Martin Luther’s theology, salvation is achieved through:
(A) Faith alone (sola fide) and scripture alone (sola scriptura)
(B) Good works and indulgences
,(C) The sacraments administered only by the pope
(D) Mystical visions
Answer: A
Rationale: Luther rejected the Catholic sacramental system, arguing that faith in
Christ’s sacrifice justifies sinners, and the Bible is the sole authority.
5. The Peasants’ War (1524–1525) in Germany:
(A) Was supported by Luther
(B) Was brutally suppressed, with Luther condemning the peasants
(C) Led to the first Protestant kingdom
(D) Ended serfdom permanently
Answer: B
Rationale: Luther initially appealed for compromise but later wrote Against the
Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, urging nobles to crush the revolt.
6. The Peace of Augsburg (1555) established which principle?
(A) Religious toleration for all Christians
(B) Cuius regio, eius religio (whose realm, his religion)
(C) Freedom of worship for Calvinists
(D) Papal supremacy over German states
, Answer: B
Rationale: It allowed German princes to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism
for their territory; Anabaptists and Calvinists were excluded.
7. John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination held that:
(A) All people will be saved
(B) God has already chosen who will be saved (the elect), and nothing can change
that
(C) Good deeds guarantee salvation
(D) The pope can forgive all sins
Answer: B
Rationale: Calvin emphasized divine sovereignty; the elect are known by their
moral conduct, but the choice is God’s alone.
8. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) was part of the:
(A) Protestant Reformation
(B) Catholic (Counter) Reformation
(C) Renaissance humanist movement
(D) Scientific Revolution
Answer: B
