Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which factor contributed to the unique character of the Commercial Revolution in the Low Countries compared to Württemberg?

1. The involvement of women in market jobs

2. The lack of strong guild structures

3. The influence of the Catholic Church

4. The economic policies of the Holy Roman Empire

The correct answer is: The lack of strong guild structures

The unique character of the Commercial Revolution in the Low Countries, particularly compared to regions like Württemberg, can largely be attributed to the lack of strong guild structures. In the Low Countries, which included present-day Belgium and the Netherlands, the economy was characterized by a higher level of commercial activity and a more dynamic market environment than in many parts of the Holy Roman Empire, where strict guild regulations often limited economic innovation and flexibility. This lack of guild restrictions allowed for greater entrepreneurial ventures and the emergence of a vibrant marketplace that fostered trade and commerce. The Low Countries saw a rise in merchant capitalism and a notable increase in international trade, particularly with the advent of the Age of Exploration. Moreover, the economy was supported by a cooperative relationship among merchants and craftsmen, which was less prevalent in Württemberg, where guilds controlled production and restricted competition. Understanding this distinction highlights the importance of economic structures in shaping regional development during the Commercial Revolution. The absence of powerful guilds in the Low Countries allowed for a more fluid and competitive market, ultimately leading to its unique characteristics compared to the more regulated economy found in Württemberg.