During the 19th century, almost from 1830 onwards, two great empires butted heads with each other in a diplomatic and political confrontation over the control of central Asia and especially the access that the lands of this region provided to India, which was part of the British Empire. The two empires fighting were Britain and Russia. Both were looking for these lands and each were doubtful about the control the other had on the regions, especially in Asia and Europe. This led to a situation known as the Great Game, which ended in a military confrontation in 1838. Although part of the reason of the confrontation was the desire for control of Central Asia, the main reason for this was the desire of both empires to outdo the other in the control of the land and resources that were offered by the countries of the region. The correct answer here then is C: land and resources.