Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

The distinction of the scientific revolution from earlier intellectual movements lies in its emphasis on empirical evidence and observation. This period, spanning the 16th to the 18th centuries, marked a significant departure from reliance on traditional authorities, such as the church or ancient texts, that dominated medieval thought. Thinkers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton championed the use of observation and experimentation to understand the natural world, laying the groundwork for the modern scientific method.

Prior to this revolution, intellectual movements were often steeped in philosophical and theological frameworks that did not prioritize direct observation or experimentation. Instead, they relied heavily on established authorities or theories without necessitating empirical validation. The new approach during the scientific revolution encouraged questioning and testing ideas against observable reality, which transformed the landscape of knowledge and inquiry in Europe.