PRACTICE ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. To what extent and in what ways did the move toward unification in mid-19th century Germany fall out of the hands of the constitutionalists and into the hands of the Prussian militarists?
There is little room for choice in this question, since it requires that you show “how and how much” of German unification was the result of a failure of the forces of democracy to take the lead, thereby leaving it to the militarists in Prussia. Refer to specifics in the breakdown of the leadership of constitutional forces, in the assumption of leadership by Prussia, and in the militaristic nature of Prussian leadership.
2. “Attempts at reform and modernization in 19th century Russia were inevitably diluted by the habit of reaction.” Assess the validity of this statement.
To “assess the validity” is to determine whether a statement is true, false, or partly both. The pivotal concept in this statement is “inevitably diluted.” Does it mean that “the habit of reaction” canceled or weakened “reform and modernization”?
3. “Austria’s suppression of Slavic autonomy within the empire created more dissolution than unity.” Defend or refute this statement.
“Defend or refute” usually allows the presentation of a mixed argument. In this case - because of the crucial phrase “more dissolution than unity”- the argument must show that one or the other was true. As if often the case, the question itself shows the direction of the best possible argument: that dissolution was the result of Austria’s policy toward its Slavic minorities.
4. Evaluate the achievements of Napoleon III
There is always room in an “evaluation” question since it requires “judging the worth” or comparing “pluses and minuses.” The trick here is to give a balanced view. History’s greatest villains appealed to somebody for some reason. Napoleon III was immensely popular for a time and for specific achievements.
5. Contrast and compare the growth and suppression of democracy in 19th century Europe.
This is a double effort: to “show differences” and to “examine similarities.” Democracy did not grow easily in the states where it was ultimately successful nor did it flounder completely in those where it was suppressed. This is a broad question that requires more than a comparison of only two states.
