After 1880, European nations sought colonies in Africa primarily because the Europeans were —

A. in need of land for their surplus populations
Incorrect. European nations had large populations, but they needed them to fuel the Industrial Revolution.

B. competing for raw materials and markets
Correct! The Industrial Revolution caused competition for markets and raw materials.

C. determined to bring Christianity to the Muslim world
Incorrect. The crusades occurred much earlier.

D. interested in completing their geographic knowledge of the world
Incorrect. Maps and navigation technology had already made them geographically aware.

Both the French and the British were interested in controlling Egypt in the mid-19th century because Egypt had —

A. control of the spice trade
Incorrect. They did not control the spice trade.

B. an industrial-based economy
Incorrect. Egypt was agricultural and was only beginning to industrialize at this time.

C. vital mineral resources
Incorrect. While Egypt had some mineral resources, they did not dominate economically.

D. a strategic location
Correct! Egypt’s strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea was a gateway to Indian Ocean trade routes.

A primary purpose for building the Suez Canal was to —

A. encourage Jewish settlement in nearby Palestine
Incorrect. Jewish settlement was not yet an issue.

B. increase trade between the Middle East, Europe and Asia
Correct! This was a vital link between Europe, the Middle East and Indian Ocean trade routes.

C. reduce the time needed for travel between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea
Incorrect. Read the question carefully. It reduced travel time, but had nothing to do with the Western Hemisphere.

D. allow Indian merchants to reach the east coast of Africa
Incorrect. They could already reach the east coast of Africa…what they really needed was quick access to Europe.

The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea with the —

A. Red Sea
Correct! It is a vital link.

B. Gulf of Suez
Incorrect. While the Gulf of Suez is important, the link to the Indian Ocean through the Red Sea is more important.

C. Atlantic Ocean
Incorrect. The Suez Canal didn’t directly involve the Western Hemisphere.

D. Strait of Gibraltar
Incorrect. The Strait of Gibraltar was already open to trade and commerce, and would not have made trade to the Indian Ocean easier.

In 1922, the British were forced to accept the independence of —

A. Iraq
Incorrect. Although the British wanted to control the area, they did not control Iraq.

B. Palestine
Incorrect. Egypt was the issue in 1922.

C. Egypt
Correct! Riots and protests had pushed the British to give Egypt their independence.

D. Syria
Incorrect. The British were not in control of this area.