Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What characteristic of Romanticism is often associated with Rousseau?

1. Focus on collective achievement

2. Emphasis on emotion over logic

3. Adherence to Enlightenment rationality

4. Promotion of social conformity

The correct answer is: Emphasis on emotion over logic

The characteristic of Romanticism that is often associated with Rousseau is the emphasis on emotion over logic. Rousseau is considered one of the key figures in the Romantic movement, which arose as a reaction against the strict rationalism of the Enlightenment. His works often celebrated individual feelings, natural instincts, and the importance of deep emotional experiences, positioning these elements as central to understanding human nature and society. Rousseau believed that personal emotions and a connection to nature were vital aspects of the human experience, advocating for a return to a more natural state that aligned with one's innermost feelings. This focus on emotion influenced many other Romantic thinkers and artists, who similarly prioritized subjective experience, passion, and individual expression in their work. In contrast, the other options would not accurately reflect Rousseau’s influence on Romanticism, as they either align more closely with Enlightenment principles or reflect a collectivist societal approach that goes against the individualistic ideals central to Romantic thought.