Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The main goal of the Counter-Reformation, particularly as initiated under the reign of Charles V, was to combat the spread of Protestantism. This movement was characterized by the Catholic Church's efforts to respond to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. Following the emergence of Protestant denominations and their critiques of Catholic doctrine and practice, Charles V, who was a staunch defender of Catholicism, recognized the need to reaffirm the authority of the Church and to undermine the Protestant reforms that were gaining traction in Europe.

The Counter-Reformation included various strategies to regain followers, such as the establishment of the Council of Trent, which addressed issues of church corruption and clarified Catholic theology. This aimed at re-establishing the Catholic Church's influence and drawing back those who had converted to Protestantism.

The other choices represent goals that were either not part of the Counter-Reformation or irrelevant to the context. Promoting the Protestant faith stands counter to the objectives of the Catholic Church during this period. Establishing new colonies and revising the Bible, while significant in their own contexts, do not accurately reflect the central focus of the Counter-Reformation movement led by Charles V. The chief aim was firmly rooted in responding to and curbing the influence of Protestantism across Europe.