Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What does the author use to support her argument that the pattern of the Commercial Revolution in England and the Netherlands represented an exceptional case?

1. The transition of women into market jobs, which increased purchases of consumer goods

2. The influence of local guilds on market practices

3. The historical context of women’s rights in Europe

4. The presence of powerful merchant trading companies in Württemberg

The correct answer is: The transition of women into market jobs, which increased purchases of consumer goods

The author highlights the transition of women into market jobs as a distinctive feature of the Commercial Revolution in England and the Netherlands to demonstrate how these regions followed a unique trajectory compared to others in Europe. By integrating more women into the workforce, the economy benefited from a broader participation in the market, which in turn increased demand for consumer goods. This shift not only underscores the exceptional nature of England and the Netherlands in embracing market changes but also illustrates how societal roles began to evolve during this period, reflecting a unique economic environment that contrasted with the more traditional structures in other European regions. Other options focus on aspects like local guilds or merchant companies, which, while relevant to discussions about commerce and trade, do not capture the same transformative shift seen with the integration of women into market jobs, nor do they emphasize the sociocultural changes that played a role in the Commercial Revolution's exceptional nature in these specific countries.