AP World History Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The second excerpt is considered more harsh than the first due to the implications surrounding the growth and complexity of civilization. As civilizations expand and become more complex, they typically encounter increased social stratification, competition for resources, and often, an escalation in conflict. This complexity can lead to harsher living conditions for those at the lower end of the social hierarchy, including laborers, the impoverished, and marginalized groups.

As societies developed, the demands for wealth and power could result in oppressive structures and harsh treatment of individuals who were seen as expendable in the pursuit of economic or political gain. This context provides a backdrop for understanding the nuances of societal interactions and the impact of increased societal demands on the common populace. The second excerpt likely reflects the darker aspects of this complexity, illustrating how advancements in civilization did not necessarily equate to improvements in the quality of life for everyone.

In contrast, other options do not directly address the broader implications of societal growth and complexity on harshness across groups. Constant attacks might suggest conflict, but it doesn't encapsulate the societal impact; demands made by slaves could reflect justice but do not necessarily indicate systemic harshness; and while a lack of religion might contribute to moral decline in certain contexts, it doesn’t fully encompass the