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

The answer regarding Ashoka’s fulfillment of his stated goals as a ruler centers around his promotion of Buddhism and key principles from that philosophy, such as compassion and non-violence. After witnessing the horrors of war during his campaign to conquer Kalinga, Ashoka experienced a profound transformation. He abandoned a path of aggression and instead actively promoted Buddhist values, which emphasize the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of peace and welfare among his subjects.

In doing so, he established edicts that encourage ethical behavior, religious tolerance, and the well-being of all living beings. His focus was on guiding his people towards a moral life through the teachings of Buddhism, which aligns with the goal of ending suffering. Ashoka’s reign was marked not by the pursuit of militaristic expansion but rather by a commitment to the welfare of his people and the propagation of Buddhist ethics throughout his empire.

While other choices reference important aspects of governance, they do not accurately reflect the transformative impact of Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism as a means to fulfill his aims of fostering harmony and welfare after experiencing the consequences of war.