Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What was one effect of the increasing wealth in European nations during the 1700s?

1. Increased support for agrarian policies

2. Decline in military expenditures

3. Expansion of cultural and intellectual developments

4. Reduced urbanization

The correct answer is: Expansion of cultural and intellectual developments

The increasing wealth in European nations during the 1700s significantly contributed to the expansion of cultural and intellectual developments. This period, often referred to as the Age of Enlightenment, was marked by notable advancements in philosophy, science, and the arts, driven by the surplus of resources and funds available to many European states. Wealthy patrons, including the rising middle class and aristocracy, funded artists, philosophers, and scientists, leading to an explosion of cultural production, including literature, music, and visual arts. Intellectual movements, such as rationalism and empiricism, gained traction as thinkers sought to understand and improve the human condition through reason and observation. This era also saw the establishment of institutions like salons, academies, and universities, which facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge among scholars and the public. The increased wealth thus acted as a catalyst for innovation and creativity, making this the correct choice regarding the effects of economic growth during the 1700s in Europe.