Final answer:
Orthodox Christians accepted Ottoman rule for the preservation of local governance and autonomy, religious tolerance allowing them to practice Christianity freely, and lighter tax burdens compared to previous rulers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary motivation for Orthodox Christians in accepting Ottoman rule was c) Preservation of local governance and autonomy. Under the Ottoman millet system, Orthodox Christians, who were known as dhimmis, could practice their faith without interference as long as they paid the special tax, the jizya, and recognized their status as Ottoman subjects. Additionally, this system allowed them to govern their own affairs according to their own religious laws, which was an attractive prospect compared to the potential suppression by Roman Catholic powers or conversion pressures that other rulers might impose. The Otomans saw the non-Muslim clergy as useful in the governance of their empire and thus refrained from efforts to stamp out Christianity. By paying the jizya, Orthodox peasants actually found the tax burden lighter under the Ottomans than previous rulers, with the added benefit of not being forced to convert to Islam. This religious tolerance, along with improved trade opportunities and economic stability provided under Ottoman rule, were key factors in why Orthodox Christians would accept this authority over them.