Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

The consumer revolution of the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries impacted which cultural movement?

1. The Enlightenment

2. The Renaissance

3. The Counter-Reformation

4. The Scientific Revolution

The correct answer is: The Renaissance

The consumer revolution of the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries played a significant role in shaping the cultural and intellectual climate of the Renaissance. This period was marked by an increase in the availability of goods, driven by expanding trade and improved production methods. As wealth grew, both in urban centers and among the emerging middle class, there was a newfound demand for luxury items, art, and literature. This consumer culture fostered an environment that celebrated humanism, individualism, and secularism—key themes of the Renaissance. The increased purchasing power allowed patrons to sponsor artists, leading to a flourishing of art and intellectual advancement. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were able to produce celebrated works because wealthy patrons invested in their talents, which paralleled the consumer desire for art that reflected personal status and sophistication. In this context, the Renaissance can be seen not only as a rebirth of classical ideas but also as a response to the changing economic landscape that included a burgeoning consumer culture. This interaction between economic growth and cultural development was pivotal in shaping the Renaissance, illustrating how the increased demand for commodities influenced the values and artistic endeavors of the time.