Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What did Pitt imply about France's intentions towards Great Britain?

1. France sought to establish diplomatic relations

2. France wished to export its radical revolutionary ideas to Great Britain

3. France aimed to form a military alliance

4. France wanted to isolate Great Britain economically

The correct answer is: France wished to export its radical revolutionary ideas to Great Britain

Pitt implied that France wished to export its radical revolutionary ideas to Great Britain, reflecting the broader concerns of the British government regarding the influence of the French Revolution. During the late 18th century, particularly following the revolution of 1789, many in Britain were alarmed by the potential spread of revolutionary sentiments and the idea of popular sovereignty that emerged from France. Pitt, as a leader concerned with maintaining stability in Britain, viewed the revolutionary ideas being propagated by France as a threat to the established order and monarchy in his own country. The fear was not merely of military confrontation but also of the ideological contagion that could inspire similar movements within Britain, disrupting the social and political fabric of a nation that prided itself on constitutional governance and a settled monarchy. The context of the time indicates that this viewpoint was prevalent among British politicians who were wary of the revolutionary fervor spilling over into their own society, exacerbating fears of uprisings or democratic reforms. As such, the implication of France's intentions centered on an ideological confrontation rather than diplomatic outreach or military collaboration.