Question 1

How did overseas expansion contribute to the financial bubbles of the eighteenth century?

Accepted Answer

Overseas expansion in the eighteenth century contributed to the financial bubbles in several ways. Firstly, the acquisition of new territories and resources led to an influx of wealth into the European economies, creating a sense of prosperity and optimism that fueled speculative investment. This investment often led to the formation of financial bubbles, as investors became overly optimistic about the potential returns from overseas ventures.

Additionally, the expansion of overseas trade and colonization created new markets and opportunities for investment, leading to a surge in trading activity and the formation of speculative bubbles in commodities such as sugar, tea, and spices. The increased demand for these goods led to inflated prices and speculative trading, which eventually resulted in market crashes and financial crises.

Furthermore, the expansion of overseas territories also led to the development of new financial instruments and trading practices, such as the issuance of government bonds and the establishment of joint-stock companies. These new financial innovations often contributed to the formation of speculative bubbles, as investors were eager to capitalize on the potential profits from overseas ventures.

Overall, the overseas expansion of the eighteenth century contributed to the financial bubbles by creating a sense of prosperity and optimism, opening up new investment opportunities, and fostering the development of speculative trading practices and financial instruments. These factors ultimately led to the formation of financial bubbles and subsequent market crashes, highlighting the interconnectedness of overseas expansion and financial speculation in the eighteenth century.

Question 2

The British colonists in America in 1754

Accepted Answer

A)   adopted the "Albany plan of union" as a means of self-defense against France.
B)   failed to adopt the "Albany plan of union," but nevertheless assumed the greater share of the burden of defense.
C)   relied on Britain for military action against France.
D)   played no part in the war between Britain and France. C

Question 3

How did the lower, or non-property owning classes make their influence felt in western European politics during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries?

Accepted Answer

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the lower or non-property owning classes made their influence felt in western European politics through various means. One of the most significant ways was through popular uprisings and revolutions. The lower classes often organized and participated in protests, riots, and even full-scale revolutions to demand political and social change. These movements, such as the English Civil War, the French Revolution, and the various uprisings in Spain and Italy, were instrumental in challenging the existing power structures and advocating for greater representation and rights for the common people.

Additionally, the lower classes also exerted their influence through the formation of political organizations and unions. These groups, such as the Levellers in England and the sans-culottes in France, sought to advance the interests of the working class and push for political reforms. They often engaged in political activism, such as publishing pamphlets, organizing demonstrations, and lobbying for their demands.

Furthermore, the lower classes made their influence felt through their participation in the military. Many soldiers and sailors came from the lower classes, and their involvement in wars and conflicts often had a significant impact on political developments. For example, the military played a crucial role in the success of various revolutions and in shaping the policies of the ruling elites.

Overall, the lower or non-property owning classes in western European politics during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries made their influence felt through popular uprisings, political organizations, and military participation. Their actions and demands were instrumental in challenging the existing power structures and advocating for greater representation and rights for the common people.

Question 4

Compare and contrast the causes and consequences of the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. In what sense did they form a single conflict, the "Great War of the Mid-Eighteenth Century"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the causes and consequences...

Question 5

Which of the following is true of eighteenth-century Europe's population?

Accepted Answer

A)   France and Britain grew to be roughly equal in size.
B)   Britain had fewer large cities than either Spain or Italy.
C)   the population of urban areas now surpassed that of rural areas.
D)   Amsterdam and Constantinople were the largest cities.

Question 6

All of the following are true of carnivals, an important feature of seventeenth and eighteenth century

Accepted Answer

A)   they went on for several weeks preceding Christmas, and signified the preparation for the incarnation of Christ.
B)   they allowed opportunities to defy custom.
C)   they allowed opportunities to ridicule authority.
D)   men and women dressed as the opposite sex.

Question 7

Compare and contrast the personalities and policies of Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa. Who achieved more for his/her people?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the personalities and policies...

Question 8

What factors gave Britain and France the upper hand in the commercial rivalry of the eighteenth century?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors gave Britain and France the...

Question 9

The Seven Years' War began in

Accepted Answer

A)   America.
B)   Germany.
C)   Austria.
D)   the Austrian Netherlands.

Question 10

Which areas of the globe did the British dominate by 1763. Where were France's main losses?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which areas of the globe did the...

Question 11

To what extent was European prosperity dependent on extra-European contributions (either voluntary or forced)? Specify the Asian, African, and American roles in the world economy of the eighteenth century.

Accepted Answer

The answer of To what extent was European prosperity dependent...

Question 12

Discuss the most significant differences between elite culture and popular culture in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Was the gap between them narrowing or widening by the eighteenth century? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the most significant differences between elite...

Question 13

Why was much of the Seven Years' War fought outside of Europe? Describe the main regions of conflict.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why was much of the Seven Years'...

Question 14

What were the parallels between the Austrian War of Succession and past conflicts in the same region?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What were the parallels between the Austrian...

Question 15

How did the Peace of Paris in 1763 facilitate the building of a British empire?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did the Peace of Paris in...

Question 16

Analyze the imperial conflict between Great Britain and France during the period 1714-1763 (the end of the War of the Spanish Succession to the end of the Seven Years' War).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analyze the imperial conflict between Great Britain...

Question 17

Compare and contrast the political and economic development of Great Britain and France between 1715 and 1763.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the political and economic...

Question 18

The War of the Austrian Succession was more successful than the few territorial gains and losses would indicate because it proved

Accepted Answer

A)   that the British needed a stronger army in order to be effective in international affairs.
B)   the Habsburg empire could no longer be considered a great power.
C)   the continuing strength of France, both as a continental power and an overseas empire.
D)   that Prussia's acquisition of Silesia made it a great power for the first time in its history.

Question 19

The transatlantic slave trade in the eighteenth century was conducted mainly by the

Accepted Answer

A)   English and French.
B)   Dutch and Portuguese.
C)   English and Dutch.
D)   English and Portuguese.

Question 20

What were the advantages and disadvantages of cabinet government?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What were the advantages and disadvantages of...

Exam 7: The Struggle for Wealth and Empire