Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The French Revolution posed a significant challenge to traditional European monarchies, particularly from the perspective of leaders like William Pitt. The revolution introduced a wave of radical ideas, such as popular sovereignty, republicanism, and the notion that people could overthrow oppressive governments. These concepts directly undermined the long-standing principles upon which monarchies were built—namely, the divine right of kings and the belief that monarchs held absolute power by virtue of their birth.

Pitt recognized that the revolutionary zeal could inspire similar movements in other countries, leading to instability and resistance against established authorities. This apprehension was not merely theoretical; it proved to be prescient as various uprisings and revolutionary sentiments emerged in multiple European nations in response to the ideas propagated by the French Revolution. Thus, the threat posed was not just from the revolution itself but also from the ideological influence it had on the populace and their willingness to challenge monarchies across Europe.