Final answer:
A dependent zone in AP World History is a region controlled by a colonial power for economic exploitation, in line with the attributes of European colonization efforts from the 18th to the 20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
In AP World History, a dependent zone refers to a region that is controlled by a colonial power predominantly for economic exploitation. This is aligned with option A: A region controlled by a colonial power for economic exploitation. A dependent zone was established in many regions such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia during late European colonialism, notably from the 18th to the 20th century. These zones were characterized by the colonization of territories, wherein the ruling colonial powers maintained control over trade and resources for their own benefit. Indigenous populations were typically subjected to oppressive policies, forced labor, and exploitation.
Notably, colonialism was driven by a desire for political control, economic gain, and access to raw materials. Infrastructure like trade centers was often established in these zones to facilitate and control trade for the colonizing country. This period also entailed consistent extraction of raw materials using indigenous labor, underpaying them while selling the finished goods back to the colonies at high profits. Post-independence, many of these regions continued to experience economic challenges due to their lasting dependency on the former colonial powers.