Mr. Cohen
AP Euro
Summer homework
2015-16
AP European History Summer Homework Assignment
Welcome to AP European History. For your summer homework, you will be responsible
for three assignments. First, you will read The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli and
answer some questions regarding the text. Second, you will read the Introduction and
Chapter 1 of the textbook, The Western Heritage, 11e (Kagan, Ozment, Turner). Third,
you will study the geography of Europe.
I. The Prince
Machiavelli’s The Prince is a major text in Western Civilization. Therefore, it should be
very easy to find in any bookstore, including used bookstores. You can also find the full
text online by performing a simple Internet search. NOTE: Because this book has been
translated, different versions contain different translations of some words and phrases.
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Answers should be well
organized and utilize evidence from the source. This portion of the summer homework
is due on Thursday, August 6, 2014. If this assignment is not received by this date,
you will be dropped from the class.
Email your answers to: [email protected]. (In the unlikely event you are
unable to email me your answers, you may drop off a copy at the school by the deadline.)
Questions:
1. Describe the political situation that prompted Machiavelli to write The Prince.
2. Identify and discuss three major themes in The Prince.
3. What were the five “errors” committed by Louis XII of France described by
Machiavelli in Chapters 3 and 4? How did the ancient Romans and Alexander the
Great avoid some of these mistakes?
4. In Chapter 5, explain why Machiavelli insists so much on destruction.
5. In Chapters 6 and 7, which vices are considered useful and advisable? Why does
Machiavelli recommend them?
6. Describe Francisco Sforza and Cesare Borgia, as they are discussed in Chapter 7. Why
does Machiavelli dedicate almost the entire chapter to Cesare Borgia?
7. Describe the role of armies according to Machiavelli in Chapters 12-14. Pay specific
attention to why they must be strong, different types of troops and the value of them,
and military duty of the prince.
8. What does Machiavelli say in regards to a prince being either feared or loved? In
Machiavelli’s opinion, which is more important? Is it possible for a ruler to be both?
Explain.
9. In regards to the concept of a ruler being feared and loved, explain Machiavelli’s
discussion of the Carthaginian General Hannibal and the Roman General Scipio
Africanus.
10. What is the significance of the Myth of Chiron in Chapter 18? What are the qualities
symbolized by the fox and the lion?
11. What is the course a prince should follow in choosing his advisors? What is the best
method in recognizing a good minister?
12. Discuss Machiavelli’s views on religion.
13. List and describe 10 qualities of a Machiavellian ruler.
14. Identify 5 rulers throughout history (not simply in the book) that would represent the
concept of a Machiavellian ruler and briefly describe why they fit this ideal.
II. Introduction and Ch. 1 reading
Additionally, you will read the Introduction (“The West before 1300”) and Chapter 1
(“The Late Middle Ages”) of our textbook, The Western Heritage, 11e (Kagan, Ozment,
Turner). NOTE: In the reading packet I have given you, Chapter 1 is identified as
“Chapter 9” because it was taken from the 10th edition of the textbook. I would advise
taking notes on the main ideas, key terms, and key people from both chapters. There will
be a quiz during the first few days of class on both chapters.
III. Map of Europe
You will be expected to have a general knowledge of European geography before class
begins. There will be a test on the political and physical geography of modern Europe
during the first few days of class. There are many maps available on the Internet. There
is also an interactive map on the home page of my Moodle site. The test will include
identification of the following:
Countries:
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bosnia and Herzegovina
4. Croatia
5. Czech Republic
6. Denmark
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Ireland
12. Italy
13. Netherlands
14. Poland
15. Portugal
16. Russia
17. Serbia and Montenegro
18. Spain
19. Switzerland
20. United Kingdom
2 Cities:
1. Amsterdam
2. Athens
3. Berlin
4. Brussels
5. Budapest
6. Florence
7. Frankfurt
8. Geneva
9. London
10. Madrid
11. Manchester
12. Moscow
13. Munich
14. Paris
15. Prague
16. Rome
17. St. Petersburg
18. Sarajevo
19. Venice
20. Vienna
Mountain Ranges:
1. The Alps
2. The Pyrenees
Rivers:
1. The Danube
2. The Elbe
3. The Rhine
Islands:
1. Corsica
2. Sardinia
3. Sicily
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