Based on your knowledge of world history, which of the following contributed LEAST to Europe’s ability to penetrate Africa in the period 1750 to 1900 (C) E.?

(A) The invention of the machine gun (B) The invention of vaccines for tropical diseases (C) The development of the joint-stock company (D) The invention of steam-powered shipsExplanation: The question is asking for the choice that contributed LEAST to Europe’s ability to penetrate Africa between 1750 and 1900. Choice (C), the development of the joint-stock company, did not occur during this time period, so it cannot have contributed to Europe’s penetration of Africa. Therefore, (C) is the answer.