Which of the following statements concerning the management of colonial enterprises by the Dutch and British East India companies in the 17th century is most accurate?
a. The directors of the companies were little interested in the acquisition of colonial territories.
b. The directors of the companies made precise plans for the expansion of company administrative control over the governments of indigenous peoples.
c. The companies worked in partnership with indigenous industries to ship their products to China.
d. The companies were mere figureheads for the active and direct intervention of European nations in the affairs of Asian peoples.
e. The companies were granted monopolies by governments with the clear expectation that they would conquer new territories for their respective nations.
Answer: A