Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which historical development is characterized by monarchs exercising greater control over religion?

1. Medieval feudalism

2. Renaissance humanism

3. New monarchies

4. The Enlightenment

The correct answer is: New monarchies

The historical development characterized by monarchs exercising greater control over religion is the rise of the new monarchies during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This period saw monarchs in countries like France, Spain, and England consolidating their power and asserting greater authority over both secular and religious institutions. They were able to establish state churches, which allowed them to exert influence over religious practices and diminish the power of the papacy and local religious authorities. Kings and queens, such as Louis XI in France and Henry VII in England, pursued policies that centralized their power, extended their administrative reach, and often enacted reforms to align the church's activities with their political goals. This concentration of power helped diminish the influence of feudal lords and the clergy, thereby solidifying the monarchs' role not only as political leaders but also as key figures in religious matters. The other historical developments listed do not specifically focus on the relationship between monarchs and religious authority in the same way. Medieval feudalism primarily involved a decentralized power structure based on landholding and local lords, while Renaissance humanism concentrated on individual potential and education rather than central authority. The Enlightenment introduced new ideas about governance and the role of reason, but it largely