Based on the excerpt, the British Empire thrived on the labor of the colonized people. This is the most accurate option out of the choices provided:
Supporting evidence:
The excerpt clearly states: "The British Empire thrived on the labor of the colonized people." This directly supports option C.
Option A mentions a lack of loyal followers, which is not explicitly stated in the excerpt and contradicts the claim of cooperation.
Option B suggests that the empire discouraged trade, while the excerpt mentions economic benefits for the empire.
Option D implies a purely military approach, which contradicts the mentioned cooperation and peaceful disengagement.
Therefore, based on the provided information, the most accurate statement about the British Empire from the excerpt is option C: thrived on the labor of the colonized people.
Complete question:
The British Empire was an extensive system of colonies, protectorates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. The empire was not solely based on military power, but rather on the loyalty and cooperation of its subjects and the economic benefits it provided. The British Empire thrived on the labor of the colonized people and had a policy of peaceful disengagement from its colonies, although violence occurred in some areas. The empire also developed into the Commonwealth in the mid-20th century, as former British dependencies obtained sovereignty but retained ties to the United Kingdom. Based on this excerpt, the British Empire
A. failed because of a lack of loyal followers.
B.discouraged its subjects from engaging in trade.
C.thrived on the labor of the colonized people.
D. dealt with the colonies on a military level only.