Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which connection is emphasized in the passage regarding trade routes?

1. Lisbon was a primary stop for all European goods

2. The slave trade only connected Europe and Africa

3. Spice, sugar, and slave trades created global connections

4. Trade was confined within European states with minimal international ties

The correct answer is: Spice, sugar, and slave trades created global connections

The emphasis in the passage regarding trade routes highlights how the spice, sugar, and slave trades facilitated the development of global connections. These specific trades played a significant role in linking various regions and cultures, shaping economic and social dynamics across continents. The spice trade connected Europe to Asia, while sugar plantations in the Americas relied heavily on enslaved labor from Africa, creating a complex network of interdependence among Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This global interconnectedness transformed local economies into a larger, international framework, reflecting the rise of mercantilism and colonialism during this period. Thus, the correct choice illustrates the broader implications of these trade routes, demonstrating how they transcended mere local exchanges and contributed to a more integrated world.