Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which of the following was a key concept of Romanticism in contrast to Enlightenment ideals?

1. Rationality and logic

2. Emotion and individual experience

3. Collectivism and societal norms

4. Strict adherence to scientific methods

The correct answer is: Emotion and individual experience

Romanticism emerged as a movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a response to the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, logic, and scientific rationality. A fundamental concept of Romanticism was the focus on emotion and individual experience, celebrating the value of personal feelings, intuition, and the subjective nature of human existence. This movement glorified nature, the mystical, and the profound depths of human emotion, contrasting sharply with the Enlightenment's reliance on empirical evidence and universal truths. While the Enlightenment emphasized structured thought and collective rationality, Romanticism encouraged personal reflection and the exploration of individual emotions and experiences. This shift was significant in the arts, literature, and philosophy, as Romantic thinkers sought to explore the depths of the human soul and the vast complexities of human emotions, placing them at the center of their works. Thus, B captures the essence of Romanticism's departure from Enlightenment ideals, centering on the individual and their emotional experiences.