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AP World History: Modern: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

The Effects of Global Trade Networks in the Early Modern Period (1450-1750)
Global trade networks expanded significantly between 1450 and 1750. In your response, be sure to:

  • Analyze the impact of the development of global trade networks on various regions of the world.
  • Describe how these trade networks influenced economic, cultural, and social dynamics.
  • Discuss the role of European empires in facilitating and controlling global trade.

Response Guidelines:

  • Impact on Regions: The Atlantic slave trade, the Columbian Exchange, and the establishment of transcontinental trade routes all had profound effects on the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
  • Economic, Cultural, and Social Dynamics: The expansion of trade facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, contributing to the rise of European colonialism, the spread of religions like Christianity, and the growth of mercantile capitalism.
  • European Empires: European powers such as Spain, Portugal, and later the British and Dutch East India Companies played a central role in controlling and expanding global trade networks, establishing colonies, and exploiting indigenous labor.

2. Question:

Revolutions of the 18th and 19th Centuries: A Global Comparison
Several major revolutions occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the American Revolution (1776), the French Revolution (1789), and the Haitian Revolution (1791). In your response, be sure to:

  • Compare and contrast the causes of these revolutions.
  • Analyze the social and political outcomes of each revolution.
  • Discuss how these revolutions influenced other revolutionary movements worldwide.

Response Guidelines:

  • Causes: All three revolutions were fueled by Enlightenment ideas, economic inequality, social stratification, and a desire for political change. The American Revolution was inspired by colonial resistance to British imperialism, while the French and Haitian revolutions were driven by deeper social and class divisions within their societies.
  • Outcomes: The American Revolution resulted in the formation of a new democratic republic, while the French Revolution led to the rise of radical political ideologies and the eventual establishment of the French Republic. The Haitian Revolution resulted in the abolition of slavery and the establishment of the first independent black republic.
  • Influence on Other Movements: These revolutions inspired other global uprisings, including the Latin American revolutions (e.g., Simon Bolívar’s campaigns) and other independence movements in the 19th century.

3. Question:

Industrialization and Its Global Impact (1750-1900)
The Industrial Revolution transformed the world between 1750 and 1900. In your response, be sure to:

  • Explain the causes of industrialization in Europe and its spread to other parts of the world.
  • Discuss the social, political, and economic consequences of industrialization.
  • Evaluate the impact of industrialization on the environment and labor systems.

Response Guidelines:

  • Causes of Industrialization: Technological advancements (e.g., steam engine), access to raw materials (coal, iron), and the expansion of colonial empires provided the foundation for industrialization in Britain and its spread to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
  • Consequences: Industrialization led to urbanization, the growth of the middle class, and increased production of goods. Politically, it led to the rise of capitalism, socialism, and labor unions. Economically, it caused greater trade and economic interdependence among nations.
  • Impact on Environment and Labor: Industrialization had significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. It also led to the exploitation of labor, including child labor, and the rise of factory work under harsh conditions.

Grading Rubric for AP World History: Modern FRQs

The AP World History: Modern FRQs are graded on a scale of 0-6 points, based on the quality of the response, historical accuracy, and the depth of analysis. Below is an example rubric for grading.

1. The Effects of Global Trade Networks in the Early Modern Period (1450-1750)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little understanding of global trade networks and fails to address the question effectively.
  • 2 points: The response provides some information about the impact of global trade but lacks clear analysis or explanation of economic, cultural, and social dynamics.
  • 3 points: The response describes the impact of trade networks but lacks a deep analysis of the role of European empires and the broader global effects.
  • 4 points: The response includes a strong explanation of the impact of trade networks, with analysis of economic, cultural, and social effects, as well as the role of European empires.
  • 5 points: The response provides detailed analysis of the impact of global trade networks, including specific examples of the effects on various regions, cultures, and societies.
  • 6 points: The response is thorough, with deep analysis and well-chosen examples illustrating the far-reaching consequences of global trade networks, including the role of European empires.

2. Revolutions of the 18th and 19th Centuries: A Global Comparison

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little understanding of the revolutions and does not answer the question adequately.
  • 2 points: The response mentions the revolutions but lacks a comparative approach or sufficient analysis of their causes, outcomes, and influence on other movements.
  • 3 points: The response compares and contrasts the revolutions with some analysis of causes and outcomes but lacks depth in explaining their global influence.
  • 4 points: The response includes a clear comparison of the causes, outcomes, and global influence of the revolutions, with some analysis of their broader impact.
  • 5 points: The response thoroughly compares the revolutions, providing detailed analysis of their causes, outcomes, and global influence, with well-chosen examples.
  • 6 points: The response is comprehensive, with deep analysis of each revolution's causes, outcomes, and long-term global impact, drawing connections to later revolutionary movements.

3. Industrialization and Its Global Impact (1750-1900)

  • 0-1 points: The response demonstrates little understanding of industrialization and fails to address the key aspects of the question.
  • 2 points: The response mentions the causes and effects of industrialization but lacks clear analysis or does not fully address social, political, or economic consequences.
  • 3 points: The response includes some discussion of the causes and effects of industrialization but lacks depth or detailed examples of its global impact.
  • 4 points: The response provides a clear explanation of the causes of industrialization and its effects, with a good discussion of social, political, and economic consequences.
  • 5 points: The response provides a detailed analysis of the causes, consequences, and global impact of industrialization, with specific examples and in-depth evaluation.
  • 6 points: The response is thorough and well-organized, with deep analysis and strong examples of industrialization’s causes, consequences, and environmental and labor impacts on a global scale.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

  • The Effects of Global Trade Networks in the Early Modern Period: 5 points
  • Revolutions of the 18th and 19th Centuries: 6 points
  • Industrialization and Its Global Impact: 6 points
  • Total: 17 points (for all three FRQs combined)

These sample FRQs test the understanding of key periods in global history, including early modern global trade, revolutions, and industrialization. If you would like more practice or further breakdowns of other historical periods, feel free to let me know!