Which of the following describes a major cause of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries? *
The Ottoman Empire successfully pursued mercantilist economic policies.
Ottoman citizens unified by their recent conversion to Islam were strongly motivated
to conquer.
Exploitation of artillery and small arms gave the Ottomans advantages over many of
their political rivals.
The decentralized federalism of the Ottoman Empire encouraged competition and
technological innovation

The Ottomans were famed for their scientific, medical, and artistic achievements. Under Suleiman, the Magnificent's reign, Istanbul, and other significant cities all around the empire were known as artistic centers.

Option C is the correct

Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the Ottoman Empire had three main military goals:

Option C is the right answer is because, the Ottomans were permitted to use firearms, which were high-tech weapons at the time. In addition, they were among the first to use gunpowder. 

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Exploitation of artillery and small arms gave the Ottomans advantages over many of

their political rivals.

Explanation:

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ottoman Empire expanded into other territories as a result of their sheer armory advantage over other nations as they had artillery and small arms that were superior to others which gave them great advantage over their political rivals and enemies.

With the aid of this, they were able to conquer cities, kingdoms, invade and occupy the place.

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