Question

The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Colonialism is not a modern phenomenon. World history is full of examples of one society gradually expanding by incorporating adjacent territory and settling its people on newly conquered territory. In the sixteenth century, colonialism changed decisively because of technological developments in navigation that began to connect more remote parts of the world. The modern European colonial project emerged when it became possible to move large numbers of people across the ocean and to maintain political control in spite of geographical dispersion. The term colonialism is used to describe the process of European settlement, violent dispossession and political domination over the rest of the world, including the Americas, Australia, and parts of Africa and Asia.

• A. Colonialism surged in the 16th century due to advancements in navigation, enabling British settlements abroad and global dominance.
• B. As a result of developments in navigation technology, European colonialism, led to the displacement of indigenous populations and global political changes in the 16th century.
• C. Colonialism, conceptualized in the 16th century, allowed colonizers to expand their territories, establish settlements, and exercise political power.
• D. Technological advancements in navigation in the 16th century, transformed colonialism, enabling Europeans to establish settlements and exert political dominance over distant regions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Option A introduces British settlements, which is a narrower focus compared to the broader context of European colonialism discussed in the passage.
Option B, on the other hand, focuses on the displacement of indigenous populations, which isn't the central focus of the passage.
Option C mentions the expansion of territories and political power but fails to highlight the significance of navigation technology.
Option D is the correct answer because it accurately summarizes the primary theme of the passage. It emphasizes how advancements in navigation technology during the sixteenth century were instrumental in reshaping colonialism, allowing Europeans to establish settlements and assert political control over distant regions such as the Americas, Australia, and parts of Africa and Asia.

So, the correct option is (D): Technological advancements in navigation in the 16th century, transformed colonialism, enabling Europeans to establish settlements and exert political dominance over distant regions.