Which statement accurately contrasts the ottoman and byzantine empires during the 1400s? a. the ottoman empire was under attack by crusaders, while the byzantine empire was under attack by germanic tribes. b. the ottoman empire was politically corrupt and ineffective, while the byzantine empire was in its golden age. c. the ottoman empire was expanding, unified, and strong, while the byzantine empire was declining, divided, and weak. d. the ottoman empire spread its influence through trade, while the byzantine empire only expanded through military action.