Before the Reformation, the dominant force in European life was the

Catholic Church.

Explanation:

For the first time in history, the Catholic Church's authority was seriously questioned by the Reformation. Reformers began to point out irregularities in the church, injustices such as the sale of inductions. Until that moment, no one had shaken the church's authority so seriously, those who would eventually try would end up either at stake or in exile, prosecuted by the Inquisition and the like.

the correct answer option is: weapons.

explanation:

tensions rose as the two opposing superpowers competed for 'weapons'.

referring to the cold war (1945-1991), the two superpowers, usa and ussr, experienced a phase of struggle and conflict with each other. these two superpowers considered each other as a threat to their survival and thus opted for policies to strengthen their positions.

the two superpowers never went to war with each other directly but competed for weapons to preserve their positions.

trade in silk, spices, and precious metals.

answer first choice