Final answer:
The Ottoman Empire generally practiced religious tolerance towards non-Muslims, allowing them to govern themselves through millets, practice their religions, and participate in trade while paying the jizya tax instead of military service. The correct answer regarding the empire's response to non-Muslims is b. Religious tolerance. Option b is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ottoman Empire's response to non-Muslims is a notable aspect of its rule, reflecting a relatively pragmatic approach to religious diversity. The empire was home to many religions, ethnicities, and cultures, and maintained a policy often characterized by religious tolerance.
Non-Muslims, including Christians and Jews, were organized into millets. These were self-governing religious communities under the overall sovereignty of the Ottoman State. They had their own leaders and were allowed to follow their religious laws and practices.
Non-Muslims had to pay a special tax called the jizya, which Muslims did not pay. In exchange for this tax, non-Muslims were exempted from military service, which Muslims were obliged to perform.
Furthermore, non-Muslims were allowed to work in trade and were often very successful in commercial enterprises throughout the empire. It's also worth noting that while some degree of economic exploitation did occur, as it did in many societies, it was not a consistent policy aimed specifically at non-Muslims.
Therefore, the correct option answer is b. Religious tolerance. While there were restrictions and obligations imposed on non-Muslims, they were generally allowed to practice their religion and participate in the empire's economic life without the threat of forced conversions or systemic exclusion from trade.