Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which piece of evidence mentioned by Ogilvie best supports her claim that Württemberg's institutions prevented women from playing a leading role in the Commercial Revolution?

1. The authority of church courts and citizen's assemblies to regulate work and consumption

2. The rise in female employment due to market demand

3. The lack of guild influence in other European regions

4. The ability of women to own property in Württemberg

The correct answer is: The authority of church courts and citizen's assemblies to regulate work and consumption

The choice highlighting the authority of church courts and citizen's assemblies to regulate work and consumption effectively supports Ogilvie's claim regarding Württemberg's institutions and their impact on women's roles in the Commercial Revolution. In a society where institutions hold significant power over economic activities, the ability of church courts and assemblies to dictate regulations meant that they could impose restrictions that limited women's participation in the workforce. This regulatory framework created barriers for women to engage freely in commerce and trade, inhibiting their capacity to take on a leading role during a period characterized by market expansion and economic opportunities. By consolidating control over work and consumption practices, these institutions effectively marginalized women, reinforcing traditional gender roles and limiting their engagement in the dynamism of the Commercial Revolution. In contrast, other options do not directly support the claim as robustly. The rise in female employment due to market demand does not necessarily reflect institutional constraints; rather, it suggests that women could find roles in the marketplace, albeit potentially limited by these same institutions. The lack of guild influence in other regions does not provide evidence specific to Württemberg’s structure and its effects on women. Lastly, while the ability of women to own property might seem positive, it does not counteract the overarching regulatory control that institutions held over women's