Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What does Daniel Defoe argue about the relationship between economic power and military capability?

1. Military strength is determined by the size of the army

2. Trade relationships have no bearing on military outcomes

3. Economic power determined military capability

4. Naval strength is irrelevant in land-based conflicts

The correct answer is: Economic power determined military capability

Daniel Defoe, in his writings, emphasizes the significant connection between economic power and military capability. He argues that a country's wealth, often derived from trade and commerce, fundamentally underpins its ability to maintain and sustain a military force. Economic resources are essential for financing military endeavors, equipping soldiers, and ensuring the logistical support necessary for successful campaigns. This correlation highlights that nations with robust economies are better positioned to project military power and sustain prolonged conflicts. In Defoe's context, especially during the rise of mercantilism in the 17th and 18th centuries, strong trade networks not only contributed to a nation's wealth but also enhanced its military reach and effectiveness. Therefore, understanding the interplay of economic strength and military capability is crucial in examining early modern European history and the global power dynamics of the time.