Final answer:
Napoleon's armies controlled Egypt in 1798 to threaten British trade routes with India. Despite initial successes, the French were defeated by the British navy at the Battle of the Nile, safeguarding British interests in Indian trade. The correct option is (A)
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1798, to counter British power and influence, Napoleon's armies controlled Egypt as a strategy to threaten trade routes with India. The control over Egypt was vital because it was the gateway to India through the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Napoleon's invasion of Egypt commenced on July 1, 1798, with a series of initial successes, including the Battle of the Pyramids. Despite these swift victories on land, the strong British naval power led by Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the French fleet in the Battle of the Nile from August 1-3, 1798. This defeat was significant as it hindered Napoleon's ability to maintain his forces in Egypt and effectively protected British trade interests, ensuring continued access to trade with India.