Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What viewpoint reflects Robespierre's ideology regarding governance?

1. Governance should be heavily influenced by historical precedent

2. Liberty must be understood within the context of equality

3. Traditional institutions should be preserved

4. Change in government should happen cautiously

The correct answer is: Liberty must be understood within the context of equality

Robespierre's ideology is deeply rooted in the connection between liberty and equality, which he famously articulated during the French Revolution. He believed that true freedom cannot exist without a corresponding sense of equality among citizens. This perspective was pivotal during a time of radical social and political upheaval, as Robespierre championed the idea that the rights of individuals must be safeguarded through a commitment to egalitarian principles. This understanding of governance emphasized that the exercise of liberty should not come at the expense of others' rights or well-being. For Robespierre, a society that granted freedom to some while oppressing others was fundamentally flawed. His vision called for not only the overthrow of the old regime but also the establishment of a political order where equality was paramount in ensuring that liberty could be enjoyed by all, thus rejecting the notion that freedom could exist in a context of social inequality.