Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What best supports the argument that increased international trade influenced the Scientific Revolution?

1. The availability of new resources

2. The European discovery of lands and peoples undermined ancient sources' authority

3. The establishment of scientific societies

4. The advent of new technologies

The correct answer is: The European discovery of lands and peoples undermined ancient sources' authority

The correct answer highlights how the European discovery of new lands and peoples led to a questioning of established ancient authorities, which significantly influenced the Scientific Revolution. During this period, the influx of information from different cultures and civilizations challenged the previously held beliefs that were based on ancient texts, such as those of Aristotle and Ptolemy. As European explorers encountered diverse cultures and knowledge systems, it became increasingly clear that many of the traditional sources of authority were limited or flawed. This realization encouraged thinkers to pursue knowledge through observation and experimentation, laying the groundwork for the scientific method. While the other options mention important aspects of the Scientific Revolution, they do not directly illustrate the connection between international trade and the challenge to ancient authority. The availability of new resources could lead to advancements but does not specifically relate to the questioning of earlier scientific ideas. Similarly, the establishment of scientific societies reflects the organization of scientific inquiry rather than illustrating how international discoveries altered the intellectual landscape. Lastly, while new technologies indeed contributed to scientific progress, the initial catalyst for the Scientific Revolution was primarily the shift in thought resulting from new cultural encounters and the reevaluation of accepted knowledge.