Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What was a significant political consequence of the Napoleonic wars in Europe?

1. The rise of democratic governments

2. The push for national unification in Germany and Italy

3. The establishment of a pan-European republic

4. The elimination of all monarchies

The correct answer is: The push for national unification in Germany and Italy

The Napoleonic wars had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe, one of the most significant consequences being the push for national unification in Germany and Italy. The wars disrupted the existing political order and highlighted the challenges faced by fragmented states. In the German territories, the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire by Napoleon and the subsequent reorganizations created a sense of nationalism among German-speaking peoples, leading to calls for unity and eventually culminating in the unification of Germany in 1871 under Otto von Bismarck. Similarly, in Italy, the Napoleonic wars ignited a sense of nationalism and a desire for unification among the various states, such as the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The resistance against French domination fostered a collective identity among Italians, propelling the movement known as the Risorgimento, which ultimately led to the establishment of a unified Italian state in the 1860s. The other options reflect ideas that evolved before or after the Napoleonic period without directly connecting to the immediate aftermath of the wars. While the Napoleonic era did inspire some movements towards democracy, it did not directly lead to the establishment of widespread democratic governments across Europe. The notion of a pan