AP World History Practice Test!
Welcome to another AP world history practice test. Here you are going to face 30 essential questions on world history so that you can prepare better for the upcoming AP exams. Have fun!
- 1.
To provide labor for their sugar plantations, the Portuguese
- A.
Copied the Spanish repartiemiento system
- B.
Copied the Spanish comiendas
- C.
Made extensive use of indentured servants
- D.
Offered higher wages than their Spanish counterparts did
- E.
Relied on imported African slaves as laborers
Correct Answer
E. Relied on imported African slaves as laborersExplanation
The Portuguese relied on imported African slaves as laborers for their sugar plantations. This was a common practice during the time period, as African slaves were seen as a cheap and abundant source of labor. The Portuguese, like other European powers, engaged in the transatlantic slave trade to bring enslaved Africans to work on their plantations. This system allowed them to exploit the labor of Africans and maximize their profits from the sugar industry.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The last emperor of the Inca empire was
- A.
Atahualpa
- B.
Topa Inca
- C.
Motecuzuma II
- D.
Pachakuti
- E.
Viracocha
Correct Answer
A. AtahualpaExplanation
Atahualpa is the correct answer because he was indeed the last emperor of the Inca empire. He ruled from 1532 until his capture and execution by the Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in 1533. Atahualpa's reign was marked by conflicts with his half-brother Huascar over the succession to the throne, as well as the arrival of the Spanish and their subsequent conquest of the Inca empire. His capture and death marked the end of the Inca civilization and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in the region.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The metis were
- A.
The Spanish administrative officials who reported back directly to the king
- B.
The French equivalents of the peninsulares
- C.
Individuals of French and indigenous parentage
- D.
Migrants who had been born in France
- E.
French Jesuit missionaries
Correct Answer
C. Individuals of French and indigenous parentageExplanation
The correct answer is individuals of French and indigenous parentage. The term "metis" refers to people of mixed French and indigenous heritage. These individuals were often born from relationships between French settlers and indigenous women in colonial North America. They formed a distinct cultural group with their own language, customs, and traditions. The metis played a significant role in the fur trade and the development of the western frontier in Canada and the United States.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In North America, the Europeans intially found a profitable commodity when they bartered for
- A.
Fur
- B.
Indigo
- C.
Maize
- D.
Tobacco
- E.
Molasses
Correct Answer
A. FurExplanation
The correct answer is Fur. When Europeans first arrived in North America, they discovered that fur was a highly valuable commodity. They began bartering with Native Americans for fur, particularly beaver fur, which was in high demand in Europe for making hats. The fur trade became a lucrative business, leading to the establishment of fur trading companies and the colonization of regions rich in fur-bearing animals.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following countries established the first permanent settlement in Australia?
- A.
The Netherlands
- B.
Portugal
- C.
England
- D.
France
- E.
Spain
Correct Answer
C. EnglandExplanation
England established the first permanent settlement in Australia. This is commonly known as the Colony of New South Wales, which was established in 1788. The settlement was led by Captain Arthur Phillip, who arrived with a fleet of ships carrying convicts and settlers. The establishment of this settlement marked the beginning of British colonization in Australia, leading to the eventual formation of the country we know today.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The English, Dutch, and French
- A.
Never showed any serious interest in the Americas
- B.
Were like the Spanish in that they viewed the Americas as a land to exploit rather than a place to settle
- C.
Did not play a role in the Americas until the mid-eighteenth century
- D.
Discover gold and silver mines that rivaled the Spanish claims
- E.
Were more interested in setting up permanent colonies than the Spanish
Correct Answer
E. Were more interested in setting up permanent colonies than the SpanishExplanation
The answer suggests that the English, Dutch, and French were more interested in establishing permanent colonies in the Americas compared to the Spanish. This implies that they had a different approach towards the Americas, viewing it as a place to settle and establish long-term settlements rather than just exploiting its resources like the Spanish.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The conquistador who conquered the Inca was
- A.
Balboa
- B.
Cabral
- C.
Magellan
- D.
Pizzaro
- E.
Cortes
Correct Answer
D. PizzaroExplanation
Pizzaro is the correct answer because he was the conquistador who led the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the early 16th century. Francisco Pizzaro, along with his small army, captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa and ultimately brought about the downfall of the Inca civilization.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Portuguese began to show much more interest in Brazil
- A.
After brazilwood became a major cash crop
- B.
After the discover of gold and silver mines
- C.
After the English victory over the Spanish Armada
- D.
After a Spanish military loss to France removed Spain as a serious rival for Brazil
- E.
After the establishment of profitable sugar plantations
Correct Answer
E. After the establishment of profitable sugar plantationsExplanation
The correct answer is "After the establishment of profitable sugar plantations." This is because the establishment of profitable sugar plantations in Brazil attracted the attention and interest of the Portuguese. The sugar industry became a major economic driver, leading to increased colonization and investment in Brazil by the Portuguese.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Christopher Columbus's first plan was
- A.
To form an alliance with the French before attacking the Ta'nos
- B.
To build trading post where merchants could trade with local population
- C.
To plunder the legendary wealth of the Aztecs
- D.
To subjugate the native population as a slave race for the Spanish
- E.
To form an alliance with the Aztecs against Inca
Correct Answer
B. To build trading post where merchants could trade with local populationExplanation
Christopher Columbus's first plan was to build trading posts where merchants could trade with the local population. This suggests that his initial goal was to establish economic relationships and facilitate trade between the Europeans and the indigenous people of the Americas. This aligns with Columbus's desire to find new trade routes to Asia and acquire valuable goods. It also implies that he saw the potential for profitable commerce in the newly discovered lands.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Herman Cortes was responsible for conquest of the
- A.
Inca
- B.
Moche
- C.
Chimu
- D.
Aztecs
- E.
Ta'nos
Correct Answer
D. AztecsExplanation
Herman Cortes was responsible for the conquest of the Aztecs. Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who led an expedition to Mexico in the early 16th century. He formed alliances with indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs, and with their help, he was able to defeat the Aztec Empire and capture their capital city, Tenochtitlan. Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in Mexico.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The term "mestizo" refers to
- A.
The percentage of silver that went to the Spanish government
- B.
The coins that were used in the Aztec empire
- C.
An individual of indigenous and European parentage
- D.
The Spanish plantations on which millions of Central and South Americans were enslaved
- E.
The Aztec term for the mysterious disease that devestated their population
Correct Answer
C. An individual of indigenous and European parentageExplanation
The term "mestizo" refers to an individual of indigenous and European parentage. This term is commonly used in Latin America to describe people who have mixed ancestry, specifically indigenous and European. It is a result of the intermarriage between indigenous populations and European colonizers during the colonial period. The word "mestizo" comes from the Spanish word "mestizo" which means mixed or hybrid. This term is important in understanding the cultural and racial diversity in Latin America and the complex history of colonization and its impact on the population.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The power of the viceroys was checked by review by
- A.
The encomiendas
- B.
The mestizo
- C.
The conquistadores
- D.
The audiencias
- E.
The zambos
Correct Answer
D. The audienciasExplanation
The audiencias were responsible for reviewing and checking the power of the viceroys. Audiencias were royal courts of appeal and administration in the Spanish colonies. They acted as a check on the viceroys' authority and ensured that they were not abusing their power. The audiencias had the power to review the decisions and actions of the viceroys, ensuring that they were acting in accordance with the laws and regulations set by the Spanish crown. This helped to prevent the viceroys from becoming too powerful and allowed for a system of checks and balances within the colonial administration.Rate this question:
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- 13.
By the seventeenth century, the most prominent site of agriculture in Spanish America was the
- A.
Metis
- B.
Hacienda
- C.
Quinto
- D.
Repartimiento
- E.
Zambo
Correct Answer
B. HaciendaExplanation
During the seventeenth century, the Hacienda became the most prominent site of agriculture in Spanish America. Haciendas were large estates or plantations where agricultural activities such as farming and ranching were carried out. They were usually owned by wealthy individuals or the Spanish crown and operated by indigenous or enslaved laborers. Haciendas played a crucial role in the colonial economy of Spanish America, producing crops such as sugar, tobacco, and coffee for export. The Hacienda system was a key component of the Spanish colonial system, and its dominance in agriculture during this period explains why Hacienda is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 14.
For the Spanish, the greatest attraction of the Americas was
- A.
Precious metals
- B.
Sugar
- C.
Slaves
- D.
A new class of trading partners to buy Spanish manufactured goods
- E.
Tobacco
Correct Answer
A. Precious metalsExplanation
The Spanish were primarily attracted to the Americas because of the abundance of precious metals. They were particularly interested in gold and silver, which they believed could bring them great wealth and power. The discovery of vast reserves of precious metals in places like Mexico and Peru fueled the Spanish colonization and exploitation of the region. The Spanish established mining operations and used indigenous labor to extract the precious metals, which were then shipped back to Spain. The desire for precious metals was a major driving force behind Spanish exploration and colonization in the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The encomenderos were
- A.
The Spanish adminstrative officials who ruled over the colonies and reported back to Spain
- B.
Individuals with indigenous and European parentage
- C.
Aztec priests who viewed the Spanish as visiting Gods
- D.
Spanish settlers
- E.
The first society of the Americas to come into contact with the Spanish
Correct Answer
D. Spanish settlersExplanation
The encomenderos were Spanish settlers who ruled over the colonies and reported back to Spain. They were given land and control over indigenous people in exchange for converting them to Christianity and providing them with protection. This system allowed the Spanish settlers to exploit the labor and resources of the indigenous population for their own benefit.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The British intially made use of Australia
- A.
As a penal colony
- B.
Because of its extraordinary agricultural abundance
- C.
As a busy port on the route from Acapulco to Manila
- D.
As a tourist retreat
- E.
Because of its rich silver mines
Correct Answer
A. As a penal colonyExplanation
The British initially made use of Australia as a penal colony. This was because they needed a place to send their convicts as an alternative to overcrowded prisons in Britain. Australia was seen as a suitable location due to its remote location and vast uninhabited land. By establishing a penal colony, the British hoped to both punish the convicts and also use their labor to develop the colony and exploit its resources. This decision ultimately led to the colonization and settlement of Australia by the British.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The most important factor in explaining the Spanish victory over the Aztecs and Incas was
- A.
The Spanish alliance with the Maya
- B.
The devestating loss of life caused by European-borne diseases
- C.
The Spanish strength in numbers
- D.
The military of the well-trained Spanish troops
- E.
The overwhelming Spanish superiority in guns and cannons
Correct Answer
B. The devestating loss of life caused by European-borne diseasesExplanation
The devastating loss of life caused by European-borne diseases was the most important factor in explaining the Spanish victory over the Aztecs and Incas. The introduction of diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza to which the native populations had no immunity resulted in widespread death and weakened the Aztec and Inca empires. This allowed the Spanish conquistadors to easily conquer and control these civilizations. The diseases acted as a silent weapon, decimating the indigenous populations and ultimately contributing to the downfall of the Aztec and Inca empires.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The first people of the Americas to come into contact with Spanish were the
- A.
Inca
- B.
Aztecs
- C.
Maya
- D.
Ta'nos
- E.
Chimu
Correct Answer
D. Ta'nosExplanation
The Ta'nos were the first people of the Americas to come into contact with the Spanish. The Ta'nos were indigenous people who inhabited the Caribbean islands, including present-day Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Hispaniola. They encountered Christopher Columbus during his voyages in 1492 and were subsequently colonized by the Spanish. The Ta'nos had a complex society with advanced agricultural practices and were known for their skilled craftsmanship. However, their population declined rapidly due to diseases brought by the Europeans and harsh treatment, leading to the eventual extinction of their culture.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following sites in North America was originally a Dutch colony?
- A.
New York
- B.
Plymouth
- C.
Quebec
- D.
Jamestown
- E.
Post Royal
Correct Answer
A. New YorkExplanation
New York was originally a Dutch colony known as New Amsterdam. The Dutch established the colony in the early 17th century, primarily for trade purposes. However, it was later seized by the English and renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York. This change in ownership occurred in 1664 as a result of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Therefore, New York being a Dutch colony is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Treaty of Tordesillas
- A.
Limited Spanish northern expansion at modern-day Florida
- B.
Ended the Seven Years' War
- C.
Ended the English practice of raiding Spanish treasure galleons
- D.
Granted England control over Australia
- E.
Split Central and South America between Spain and Portugal
Correct Answer
E. Split Central and South America between Spain and PortugalExplanation
The Treaty of Tordesillas divided Central and South America between Spain and Portugal. This agreement was signed in 1494 to resolve conflicts between the two countries over newly discovered lands. The treaty established a line of demarcation that divided the newly discovered territories outside of Europe. Spain was given control over the western part, including most of the Americas, while Portugal was granted control over the eastern part, including Brazil. This division had a significant impact on the colonization and exploration of the Americas by these two European powers.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of the following was not true of the American Indians that the English and French came into contact with?
- A.
The North American Indians did not live in densely populated areas
- B.
The North American Indians did not have large, centralized states like the Aztecs and Inca
- C.
The Indians produced agriculture, but moved frequently in pursuit of game
- D.
The Indians guarded their claims to private ownership of land even more jealously than the Europeans did
- E.
The Indians lived in dozens of distinct societies
Correct Answer
D. The Indians guarded their claims to private ownership of land even more jealously than the Europeans didExplanation
The correct answer is that the Indians guarded their claims to private ownership of land even more jealously than the Europeans did. This suggests that the American Indians did not prioritize private ownership of land in the same way that the Europeans did. They may have had different cultural values and practices regarding land ownership and usage.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The two centers of Spanish royal authority in the Americas were
- A.
Tenochtitlan and Mexico City
- B.
Cuzco and Tenochtitlan
- C.
Mexico City and Cuzco
- D.
Lima and Chanchan
- E.
Lima and Mexico City
Correct Answer
E. Lima and Mexico CityExplanation
During the colonial period, Lima and Mexico City were the two centers of Spanish royal authority in the Americas. Lima served as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which encompassed a large part of South America. It was an important administrative and economic hub, with a significant indigenous population. Mexico City, on the other hand, was the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which included present-day Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States. It was a major political, cultural, and economic center, serving as the seat of the Spanish colonial government and the hub of trade and commerce in the region.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The English colony of Jamestown
- A.
Was nearly destoyed due to mass starvation
- B.
Mysteriously disappeared during a period where the English too busy to send aid
- C.
Served as a remarkably satisfactory location of the Puritans
- D.
Was burned to the ground during a French invasion
- E.
Was wildly successful and quickly recouped the original financial investment
Correct Answer
A. Was nearly destoyed due to mass starvationExplanation
The correct answer is that the English colony of Jamestown was nearly destroyed due to mass starvation. This is supported by historical records which show that the colonists faced severe food shortages and relied heavily on trade with the local Native American tribes for survival. The lack of agricultural knowledge, conflicts with the Native Americans, and harsh environmental conditions all contributed to the colony's struggle to feed its inhabitants.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The first plentiful labor force for North America was
- A.
Indentured servants
- B.
Metis purchased from Canada
- C.
African slaves
- D.
Peninsulares from South America
- E.
Native Americans who worked as a part of a complicated barter system
Correct Answer
A. Indentured servantsExplanation
Indentured servants were the first plentiful labor force for North America. During the colonial period, many Europeans, particularly from England, entered into indentured servitude in exchange for passage to the New World. They would work for a specific period of time, usually around 4-7 years, in exchange for their transportation, food, and shelter. This system provided a cheap and abundant labor source for the growing colonies, especially in the tobacco and agricultural industries. Indentured servants played a crucial role in the early development of North America before the widespread use of African slaves became more prevalent.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The Virgin of Guadalupe esentially became a national symbol for
- A.
Brazil
- B.
Peru
- C.
Mexico
- D.
Chile
- E.
Argentina
Correct Answer
C. MexicoExplanation
The Virgin of Guadalupe is a religious figure that holds great cultural significance in Mexico. She is considered the patroness of Mexico and is highly revered by the Mexican people. Her image is prominently displayed in churches, homes, and public spaces throughout the country. The Virgin of Guadalupe's importance extends beyond religion and has become a national symbol of Mexican identity and pride. Her image is often associated with Mexican nationalism and is seen as a unifying force for the Mexican people.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Plantations created a demand for
- A.
Cheap labor
- B.
Tobacco
- C.
Cash crops
- D.
Education
- E.
Money
Correct Answer
A. Cheap laborExplanation
Plantations created a demand for cheap labor because large-scale agricultural operations required a significant workforce to cultivate and harvest crops. Plantation owners sought to maximize profits by minimizing labor costs, leading to the exploitation of cheap labor, often through the use of enslaved individuals or indentured servants. The profitability of plantations relied heavily on the availability of affordable labor to maintain the economic viability of cash crops such as tobacco.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The cheif Spanish royal administrators in the Americas were
- A.
The conquistadors
- B.
The peninsulares
- C.
The encomiendas
- D.
The viceroys
- E.
The haciendas
Correct Answer
D. The viceroysExplanation
The correct answer is "The viceroys." Viceroys were the chief Spanish royal administrators in the Americas. They were appointed by the Spanish monarchy and held significant power and authority over the colonies. They were responsible for governing and overseeing the territories, implementing policies, and representing the interests of the Spanish crown. Viceroys played a crucial role in the administration and control of the Spanish colonies in the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The conquistadors
- A.
In turn were defeated by French forces
- B.
Lost control because of a bloody battle between the forces of Cortes and Pizzaro
- C.
Established empires in Central and South America that lasted until eighteenth century
- D.
Eventually lost control and were replaced by formal rule by the Spanish crown
- E.
Eventually died of the smallpox that they unwittingly introduced to the Americas
Correct Answer
D. Eventually lost control and were replaced by formal rule by the Spanish crownExplanation
The conquistadors eventually lost control and were replaced by formal rule by the Spanish crown because their empires in Central and South America lasted until the eighteenth century. This suggests that their control was not permanent and that they were eventually overthrown or replaced. Additionally, the mention of the conquest of the Americas by the French forces is irrelevant to the eventual loss of control by the conquistadors and does not provide a valid explanation for the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Spanish migrants who were born in Europe were known as
- A.
Peninsulares
- B.
Encomiendas
- C.
Mestizos
- D.
Zambos
- E.
Mulattoes
Correct Answer
A. PeninsularesExplanation
Peninsulares were Spanish migrants who were born in Europe and moved to the Americas during the colonial period. They held high social and political status in the colonies due to their European birth and were considered superior to other groups. The term "Peninsulares" specifically refers to those who migrated from the Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The population of the Carribean went from about 4 million in 1492 to __________ in the 1540's
- A.
8 million
- B.
2 million
- C.
A few thousand
- D.
5 million
- E.
4 million
Correct Answer
C. A few thousandExplanation
The correct answer is "A few thousand." This is because the population of the Caribbean experienced a significant decline after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Factors such as diseases brought by the Europeans, forced labor, and warfare caused a drastic decrease in the indigenous population. By the 1540s, the population had been greatly reduced to only a few thousand individuals.Rate this question:
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