5 Steps to a 5TM AP European History

(^178) › STEP 4. Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High

Review Questions

Multiple Choice

Questions 1–3 refer to the following passage:

In the Second International the German “decisive force” played the determining role. At the

[international] congresses, in the meetings of the international socialist bureaus, all awaited

the opinion of the Germans. Especially in the questions of the struggle against militarism and

war.... And what did we in Germany experience when the great historical test came? The

most precipitous fall, the most violent collapse. Nowhere has the organization of the prole-

tariat been yoked so completely to the service of imperialism. Nowhere is the state of siege

borne so docilely. Nowhere is the press so hobbled, public opinion so stifled, the economic

and political class struggle of the working class so totally surrendered as in Germany....

The world war is a turning point.... The world war has altered the conditions of our struggle

and, most of all, it has changed us. Not that the basic law of capitalist development, the life-and-

death war between capital and labor, will experience any amelioration. But now, in the midst of

the war, the masks are falling and the old familiar visages smirk at us. The tempo of development

has received a mighty jolt from the eruption of the volcano of imperialism. The violence of the

conflicts in the bosom of society, the enormousness of the tasks that tower up before the socialist

proletariat—these make everything that has transpired in the history of the workers’ movement

seem a pleasant idyll. Historically, this war was ordained to thrust forward the cause of the

proletariat.... It was ordained to drive the German proletariat to the pinnacle of the nation.

Rosa Luxemburg, “The War and the Workers,” The Junius Pamphlet, 1916

1. What did European socialists hope to gain at the Second International?
   A. Guidance in political action from German socialists
   B. Guidance in political action from French socialists
   C. Guidance in political action from the German government
   D. Growth in membership


2. When war broke out in 1914, socialist organizations in Germany
   A. attempted revolution
   B. supported the government and the war effort
   C. called for widespread work stoppages
   D. united in opposition to the war


3. How did Luxemburg view the war?
   A. As a great opportunity for Germany
   B. As the end of European civilization
   C. As an event that would end class antagonism
   D. As a moment that could ultimately help the socialist cause

Short Answer

4. Briefly explain the role that the Alliance System played in causing World War I.

Answers and Explanations

1. A is correct because the passage states that, at the Second International meeting of
   socialist parties, “all awaited the opinion of the Germans.” B is incorrect because the
   passage makes no mention of French socialists. C is incorrect because the passage refers
   to socialist groups at the Second International, and because European socialist groups
   did not look to national governments for guidance. D is incorrect because one cannot
   tell from the passage how many socialist groups existed in prewar Europe.

PRACTICE

PRACTICE

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