Ap World History Unit 2 Practice Test

Ace Your AP World History Unit 2 Test: Practice Makes Perfect

The AP World History Unit 2 exam delves into the complexities of Networks of Exchange from 1200 to 1450. Mastering this unit requires a strong understanding of trade routes, cultural interactions, the rise of empires, and the environmental consequences of increased connectivity. This comprehensive guide provides you with a practice test, detailed answer explanations, and strategies to conquer Unit 2 and achieve a high score on the AP exam.

Why Practice Tests are Crucial

Practice tests are not just about memorizing facts; they're about:

Identifying Weaknesses: Pinpointing areas where your knowledge is lacking.
Improving Time Management: Learning to pace yourself and answer questions efficiently.
Familiarizing Yourself with the Format: Getting comfortable with the types of questions asked on the AP exam (Multiple Choice, Short Answer Questions (SAQ), Document Based Question (DBQ), and Long Essay Question (LEQ)).
Building Confidence: Seeing your progress as you improve your score on each practice test.

AP World History Unit 2 Practice Test

This practice test is designed to simulate the actual AP World History exam. Take it under timed conditions for the most realistic experience.

I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) (30 Questions | 40 Minutes)

Which of the following was NOT a major trade route during the period 1200-1450?

a) The Silk Road b) The Trans-Saharan Trade Route c) The Indian Ocean Trade Network d) The Atlantic Triangular Trade Route
The Mongol Empire facilitated trade by:

a) Imposing heavy tariffs on all goods. b) Creating a unified legal system across their territories. c) Discouraging cultural exchange. d) Focusing solely on agricultural production.
The compass, gunpowder, and printing technology all originated in:

a) Europe b) The Middle East c) China d) India
The travels of Ibn Battuta are significant because they:

a) Led to the discovery of the Americas. b) Demonstrated the extent of Muslim influence and trade. c) Caused the decline of the Silk Road. d) Resulted in the unification of Europe.
Which of the following best describes the impact of the Black Death?

a) It led to increased agricultural production in Europe. b) It had little impact on global trade networks. c) It caused significant population decline and economic disruption. d) It strengthened the feudal system in Europe.
The city of Malacca rose to prominence in the 15th century due to its:

a) Control of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean. b) Extensive agricultural production. c) Military strength and expansionist policies. d) Religious importance as a center of Buddhism.
The practice of foot binding in China during this period primarily demonstrates:

a) The increasing social mobility of women. b) The patriarchal nature of Chinese society. c) The influence of foreign cultures on Chinese customs. d) The growing importance of physical labor.
The Swahili city-states thrived due to their involvement in:

a) The Trans-Saharan slave trade. b) The Indian Ocean trade network. c) The Silk Road trade with Europe. d) Agricultural exports to China.
Which of the following empires replaced the Abbasid Caliphate as the dominant Islamic power in the Middle East?

a) The Ottoman Empire b) The Mughal Empire c) The Safavid Empire d) The Umayyad Caliphate
Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca is significant because it:

a) Demonstrated the wealth and power of the Mali Empire. b) Led to the conversion of Europe to Islam. c) Resulted in the decline of the gold trade in West Africa. d) Established diplomatic relations with China.
The tribute system used by the Ming Dynasty was a way to:

a) Promote free trade with neighboring countries. b) Establish Chinese dominance and control over foreign relations. c) Encourage the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia. d) Finance the construction of the Great Wall of China.
The Renaissance in Europe was characterized by:

a) A renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy. b) The decline of urban centers and trade. c) Increased religious uniformity and intolerance. d) A focus on scientific innovation and technological advancement.
Which of the following was a significant environmental consequence of increased trade and urbanization during this period?

a) Decreased deforestation and soil erosion. b) The spread of diseases like the Black Death. c) Reduced pollution levels in major cities. d) A decline in agricultural productivity.
The astrolabe was a navigational instrument used to:

a) Measure wind speed and direction. b) Determine latitude by measuring the angle of the sun or stars. c) Calculate the distance to land. d) Map underwater currents.
The voyages of Zheng He were significant because they:

a) Led to the Chinese colonization of the Americas. b) Demonstrated China's maritime power and facilitated trade. c) Resulted in the decline of the Ming Dynasty. d) Established a permanent Chinese presence in Africa.
Which of the following describes a major effect of the expansion of sugar cultivation in the Americas?

a) The decline of the transatlantic slave trade. b) The increased demand for labor, leading to the growth of the plantation system. c) The diversification of the American economy. d) The decreased demand for European manufactured goods.
The Great Zimbabwe was a powerful kingdom in Southern Africa that thrived due to its:

a) Control of the gold trade. b) Extensive agricultural production. c) Strategic location on the Silk Road. d) Military alliances with European powers.
Which of the following best describes the political structure of Italy during the Renaissance?

a) A unified kingdom under a strong central government. b) A collection of independent city-states. c) A province of the Holy Roman Empire. d) A colony of Spain.
The concept of divine right of kings was used to:

a) Justify the power and authority of monarchs. b) Promote religious tolerance and freedom of worship. c) Limit the power of the church. d) Encourage democratic reforms.
Which of the following was a major factor in the decline of the Mongol Empire?

a) The Black Death b) Internal divisions and succession struggles. c) The rise of powerful new empires like the Ming Dynasty. d) All of the above.
What was the primary purpose of the Incan mit'a system?

a) To facilitate long-distance trade within the empire b) To provide labor for public works projects and agricultural production c) To spread the Incan religion to conquered territories d) To collect taxes from the population
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between religion and state in the Byzantine Empire?

a) The Byzantine emperors had no authority over the Church. b) The Byzantine emperors were considered the head of both the state and the Church. c) The Byzantine emperors were subordinate to the Pope in Rome. d) The Byzantine Empire was officially atheistic.
What was the main goal of the Zheng He voyages during the Ming Dynasty?

a) To discover new lands in the Americas b) To establish Chinese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade network c) To spread Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia d) To conquer new territories in Europe
Which of the following best describes the role of guilds in medieval European towns?

a) They promoted free trade and competition among merchants. b) They regulated prices, quality, and training within specific crafts. c) They provided social services and welfare programs for the poor. d) They governed the towns and represented the interests of the citizens.
What was the primary purpose of the encomienda system in Spanish colonies?

a) To protect indigenous populations from exploitation b) To provide a fair and equitable system of land distribution c) To extract labor from indigenous populations for the benefit of Spanish colonizers d) To promote cultural exchange and integration between Spanish and indigenous societies
Which of the following technological innovations facilitated European exploration and expansion in the 15th and 16th centuries?

a) The printing press
b) The astrolabe and compass
c) Gunpowder weapons
d) All of the above

Which of the following empires experienced significant expansion during the period 1200-1450, largely due to its military prowess and sophisticated administrative system?

a) The Aztec Empire b) The Inca Empire c) The Delhi Sultanate d) All of the above
What was the significance of the Pax Mongolica in facilitating trade and cultural exchange?

a) It enforced strict isolationist policies, limiting contact with the outside world. b) It created a period of relative peace and stability across a vast territory, allowing for the safe passage of merchants and travelers. c) It led to the widespread adoption of Mongol culture and language throughout Eurasia. d) It resulted in the decline of major trade routes like the Silk Road.
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the Byzantine Empire and the Kievan Rus'?

a) The Kievan Rus' conquered and absorbed the Byzantine Empire. b) The Byzantine Empire had a significant cultural and religious influence on the Kievan Rus', including the adoption of Orthodox Christianity. c) The two empires had no contact with each other. d) The Kievan Rus' was a colony of the Byzantine Empire.
Which of the following was a major consequence of the Columbian Exchange?

a) The introduction of new diseases to the Americas, leading to a decline in indigenous populations.
b) The increased agricultural production in Europe due to new crops from the Americas.
c) The expansion of the transatlantic slave trade to meet the demand for labor in the Americas.
d) All of the above.

II. Short Answer Questions (SAQ) (3 Questions | 40 Minutes)

a) Briefly explain ONE way in which the Mongol Empire facilitated trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

b) Briefly explain ONE challenge or obstacle to trade and cultural exchange during the period 1200-1450.

c) Briefly explain ONE specific example of cultural diffusion that occurred as a result of increased trade during this period.
a) Briefly describe ONE similarity between the political systems of the Aztec and Inca Empires.

b) Briefly describe ONE difference between the economic systems of the Aztec and Inca Empires.

c) Briefly explain ONE factor that contributed to the decline of either the Aztec or Inca Empire.
a) Briefly explain ONE way in which the Black Death impacted Europe.

b) Briefly explain ONE way in which the Black Death impacted Asia.

c) Briefly explain ONE long-term consequence of the Black Death on global trade and society.

III. Document Based Question (DBQ) (1 Question | 60 Minutes)

Analyze the social and economic effects of the expansion of trade networks in the Indian Ocean region from 1200 to 1450.

The DBQ will provide you with 7 documents to analyze and use as evidence to support your argument. (This practice test does not include the documents due to length constraints; focus on understanding the format and requirements of the DBQ). Remember to include: Thesis Statement, Contextualization, Evidence from the Documents, Analysis and Reasoning (HIPPO - Historical Context, Intended Audience, Purpose, Point of View), and Complexity.

IV. Long Essay Question (LEQ) (1 Question | 40 Minutes)

Compare and contrast the political and economic systems of TWO of the following empires during the period 1200-1450: Mongol Empire, Mali Empire, Delhi Sultanate.

Remember to include: Thesis Statement, Argument Development, Evidence, and Synthesis.

Answer Key and Explanations

I. Multiple Choice Questions

(d) The Atlantic Triangular Trade Route. This trade route developed after 1450, during the Age of Exploration.
(b) Creating a unified legal system across their territories. The Mongol Empire's Pax Mongolica facilitated trade by providing security and stability.
(c) China. These innovations spread westward along trade routes.
(b) Demonstrated the extent of Muslim influence and trade. Ibn Battuta's travels highlight the interconnectedness of the Islamic world.
(c) It caused significant population decline and economic disruption. The Black Death devastated populations and disrupted trade networks.
(a) Control of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean. Malacca's strategic location allowed it to control trade passing through the Strait of Malacca.
(b) The patriarchal nature of Chinese society. Foot binding was a symbol of female subjugation.
(b) The Indian Ocean trade network. The Swahili city-states acted as intermediaries in the trade of goods from Africa to Asia.
(a) The Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries.
(a) Demonstrated the wealth and power of the Mali Empire. Mansa Musa's lavish pilgrimage brought attention to the Mali Empire's wealth.
(b) Establish Chinese dominance and control over foreign relations. The tribute system was a way for China to assert its power over neighboring states.
(a) A renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy. The Renaissance was a period of cultural and intellectual revival.
(b) The spread of diseases like the Black Death. Increased trade and urbanization facilitated the spread of diseases.
(b) Determine latitude by measuring the angle of the sun or stars. The astrolabe was a crucial tool for navigation.
(b) Demonstrated China's maritime power and facilitated trade. Zheng He's voyages showcased China's power and expanded its trade network.
(b) The increased demand for labor, leading to the growth of the plantation system. Sugar cultivation required a large labor force, contributing to the rise of the plantation system and the transatlantic slave trade.
(a) Control of the gold trade. Great Zimbabwe controlled the gold trade in Southern Africa, contributing to its wealth and power.
(b) A collection of independent city-states. Italy was divided into several independent city-states that competed for power and wealth.
(a) Justify the power and authority of monarchs. The divine right of kings claimed that monarchs derived their authority from God.
(d) All of the above. The Mongol Empire declined due to a combination of factors, including the Black Death, internal divisions, and the rise of new empires.
(b) To provide labor for public works projects and agricultural production. The mit'a system was a form of mandatory public service used by the Inca to build infrastructure and support the empire's economy.
(b) The Byzantine emperors were considered the head of both the state and the Church. This system is known as caesaropapism.
(b) To establish Chinese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade network. Zheng He's voyages were intended to project Chinese power and influence and to collect tribute from foreign rulers.
(b) They regulated prices, quality, and training within specific crafts. Guilds were associations of artisans and merchants that controlled production and trade in medieval towns.
(c) To extract labor from indigenous populations for the benefit of Spanish colonizers. The encomienda system was a form of forced labor that exploited indigenous populations in Spanish colonies.
(d) All of the above. These innovations significantly enhanced European capabilities in exploration, navigation, and warfare.
(d) All of the above. All three empires – Aztec, Inca, and Delhi Sultanate – experienced significant expansion due to military strength and efficient administration.
(b) It created a period of relative peace and stability across a vast territory, allowing for the safe passage of merchants and travelers. The Pax Mongolica facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas across Eurasia.
(b) The Byzantine Empire had a significant cultural and religious influence on the Kievan Rus', including the adoption of Orthodox Christianity. The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in the conversion of the Kievan Rus' to Orthodox Christianity.
(d) All of the above. The Columbian Exchange had far-reaching consequences, including the spread of diseases, the exchange of crops and animals, and the expansion of the slave trade.

II. Short Answer Questions (SAQ)

Question 1:
- a) The Mongol Empire facilitated trade by providing security along the Silk Road, leading to increased trade and cultural exchange.
- b) One challenge was the spread of diseases like the Black Death, which disrupted trade networks and caused significant population decline.
- c) An example of cultural diffusion is the spread of gunpowder technology from China to Europe via the Silk Road.
Question 2:
- a) A similarity is that both empires had centralized political systems with a strong ruler.
- b) A difference is that the Aztecs relied on tribute, while the Incas used a labor system called mit'a.
- c) One factor in the decline of the Aztec Empire was the arrival of the Spanish, who exploited internal divisions and used superior weapons.
Question 3:
- a) The Black Death caused massive population decline in Europe, leading to labor shortages and economic disruption.
- b) The Black Death also impacted Asia, leading to significant mortality and disruption of trade routes.
- c) A long-term consequence was the weakening of feudalism in Europe due to labor shortages and increased peasant demands.

III. Document Based Question (DBQ)

A strong DBQ response should:

Present a clear and defensible thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
Provide relevant contextualization about the Indian Ocean trade networks from 1200 to 1450.
Utilize all 7 documents as evidence to support your argument.
Analyze the documents by considering their historical context, intended audience, purpose, and/or point of view (HIPPO).
Demonstrate a complex understanding of the topic by considering multiple perspectives or explaining nuance.
Address both the social and economic effects of the expansion of trade networks.

Possible Thesis Statement:

The expansion of trade networks in the Indian Ocean region from 1200 to 1450 led to increased economic prosperity and the growth of powerful trading cities, while also fostering cultural exchange and the spread of religious ideas, but also exacerbated social inequalities and contributed to the spread of diseases.

IV. Long Essay Question (LEQ)

A strong LEQ response should:

Present a clear and defensible thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
Provide specific and relevant evidence to support your argument.
Compare and contrast the political and economic systems of the chosen empires.
Analyze the similarities and differences between the empires.
Demonstrate a complex understanding of the topic.

Possible Thesis Statement:

While the Mongol Empire relied on military conquest and tribute collection to maintain its vast territory and facilitate trade, the Mali Empire utilized its control over gold production and trade routes to establish its economic and political power. The Delhi Sultanate, in contrast, faced challenges in integrating a diverse population and maintaining control over its territory due to internal divisions and external threats.

Strategies for Success

Master Key Concepts: Focus on understanding the major trade routes, empires, and cultural interactions of the period.
Practice Analyzing Documents: The DBQ requires you to analyze and interpret historical documents. Practice using the HIPPO method (Historical Context, Intended Audience, Purpose, Point of View).
Develop Strong Essay Writing Skills: Practice writing clear and concise thesis statements, developing strong arguments, and using evidence to support your claims.
Review Regularly: Consistent review is essential for retaining information and improving your understanding of the material.
Use Timed Practice: Simulate the actual exam conditions by taking practice tests under timed conditions.

Additional Resources

AP World History Textbook: Your textbook is a valuable resource for learning about the key concepts and events of the period.
Online Resources: Numerous websites and online platforms offer AP World History review materials, practice questions, and study guides.
AP World History Teacher: Your teacher is a valuable resource for answering your questions and providing guidance.

By using this practice test and following these strategies, you can significantly improve your understanding of AP World History Unit 2 and increase your chances of success on the AP exam. Good luck!