Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

The rise of new monarchies in the 1400s and 1500s was significantly influenced by the growth of merchant and professional groups' power. As trade expanded, particularly following the Crusades and the development of new trade routes, the economic influence of merchants and an emerging middle class became critical. These groups gained wealth and power, which allowed them to push for greater political influence and stability in governance. They increasingly sought strong rulers who could provide the protection and order necessary for trade to thrive, leading to the consolidation of power in the hands of monarchs.

This shift also transformed the social hierarchy, as traditional feudal powers were challenged by these new economic classes. Monarchs found support among these groups in exchange for fostering an environment conducive to commerce, leading to the development of centralized states characterized by a strong authority that could navigate and manage the complexities of emerging economies and international trade relations.

In contrast, the decline in trade with Asia and the reduction of population due to the plague pointed towards disruptions rather than the fostering of new political structures. The weakening of the papacy's influence also played a role in the broader context of political changes, but it was primarily the rising power of merchants and professionals that directly contributed to the formation and reinforcement of new