After writing your own response to the fourth AP World History SAQ, scroll down to compare and contrast our sample perfect answer to your response. Then, move on to the next section of our full-length AP World Practice Exam.
4. Respond to parts a, b, and c.
a. Describe ONE major political or social change that occurred as a result of the French Revolution (1789–1799).
b. Explain ONE way in which industrialization between 1750 and 1900 transformed the economies of a specific region or country.
c. Identify and describe ONE significant global conflict in the 20th century and discuss its impact on international relations.
Sample Perfect Answer
a. Describe ONE major political or social change that occurred as a result of the French Revolution (1789–1799).
One major political change resulting from the French Revolution was the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic. The Revolution, driven by Enlightenment ideals and a desire for political and social equality, led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy and the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. This marked a fundamental shift in France’s political structure, replacing the absolute monarchy with a republican government. Additionally, the Revolution introduced radical social changes, including the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which asserted the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, laying the foundation for modern democratic ideals.
b. Explain ONE way in which industrialization between 1750 and 1900 transformed the economies of a specific region or country.
Industrialization had a profound impact on the economy of the United Kingdom during the 19th century. The development of mechanized factories, the expansion of coal and iron production, and the growth of the textile industry marked the onset of the Industrial Revolution. One significant transformation was the shift from agrarian-based economies to industrial economies. As mechanization and factory production increased, the demand for labor shifted from rural areas to urban centers, leading to the rapid growth of cities and urbanization. This shift not only changed the nature of work but also the structure of society, as people left farms for factory jobs. Additionally, industrialization boosted the UK’s global economic power, as it became a leading exporter of manufactured goods, including textiles, machinery, and steel, impacting trade and global economic relations.
c. Identify and describe ONE significant global conflict in the 20th century and discuss its impact on international relations.
One significant global conflict in the 20th century was World War II (1939–1945). The war had a profound impact on international relations, reshaping the global political landscape. It began with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany and the subsequent involvement of various Allied and Axis powers. World War II led to the devastation of numerous countries, the loss of millions of lives, and the widespread destruction of infrastructure.
The aftermath of the war saw the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, marking the start of the Cold War. The conflict also led to the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in an effort to prevent future global conflicts. It sparked decolonization movements in Asia and Africa, as colonial powers were weakened by the war. The Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki prompted discussions about ethics, human rights, and the role of technology in warfare.
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