Which of the following options, rearrange the given sentences in a proper sequence to make a meaningful passage?
1. The empire's economy also suffered as the Ottomans lost control over key trade routes, particularly with the rise of maritime trade routes controlled by European powers.
2. In the 19th century, the rise of nationalism within the empire's diverse ethnic groups - Greeks, Serbs, Armenians, Arabs, and others - further weakened Ottoman control.
3. The sultans also grew less powerful as the elite bureaucracy became more entrenched, and factionalism within the ruling class created further instability.
4. One of the key factors in the decline of the Ottoman Empire was the weakening of its military forces due to the failure in keeping up with the European military advancements.
5. The final blow came with its involvement in World War I as the Ottomans sided with the Central Powers who were badly defeated by the Allies.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
To form a meaningful passage, we arrange ideas from general cause → supporting details → internal issues → later developments → conclusion.