Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

How did women's participation in early modern economies differ between Württemberg and England/Netherlands?

1. Women in England and the Netherlands faced fewer workplace constraints

2. Württemberg’s women had equal access to trade and commerce

3. Women in Württemberg could own businesses freely

4. Engagement in agricultural work was limited to men in all regions

The correct answer is: Women in England and the Netherlands faced fewer workplace constraints

The assertion that women in England and the Netherlands faced fewer workplace constraints compared to their counterparts in Württemberg highlights significant differences in societal and economic structures during the early modern period. In England and the Netherlands, women had relatively more opportunities to engage in various forms of labor, including participation in commerce, manufacturing, and trade. This greater flexibility was supported by a more market-oriented economy and legal frameworks that allowed for women to operate businesses under certain conditions, leading to a range of occupational choices beyond traditional domestic roles. Many women in urban areas took advantage of economic opportunities that arose from the development of cottage industries and trade networks. In contrast, while women in Württemberg were involved in economic activities, they faced stricter limitations due to more rigid societal norms and legal restrictions that hindered their ability to engage in trade and own businesses. The governance structure and cultural context in Württemberg did not provide the same level of economic agency for women, making their roles more limited compared to those of women in the more liberal economies of England and the Netherlands. These contrasting experiences demonstrate the impact of regional differences in economic development and gender roles during the early modern period.