Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What distinguishes Tetzel’s approach to selling indulgences as described in the passage?

1. The involvement of a banker to collect funds as a formal process

2. The lack of transparency about the funds' destination

3. The appeal to the common people's need for forgiveness

4. The use of elaborate religious symbols in marketing

The correct answer is: The involvement of a banker to collect funds as a formal process

Tetzel's approach to selling indulgences is distinguished by its direct appeal to the common people's need for forgiveness. His methods emphasized the emotional and spiritual benefits that indulgences could provide, tapping into the fears and desires of individuals who sought salvation for themselves or for deceased loved ones. Tetzel famously promoted indulgences as a means to reduce time in purgatory, which resonated deeply with the populace, making it an effective and persuasive sales strategy. While involvement of a banker or transparency about the funds could play a role in financial transactions or administrative processes, they do not capture the essence of Tetzel's method, which was primarily concerned with leveraging religious beliefs to influence the masses. Therefore, the focus on the emotional appeal to forgiveness truly distinguishes Tetzel's approach.