Question

article 4 of the treaty is best explained as evidence of how states in the period 1450–1750 sought to

a suppress resistance to their rule by co-opting local groups

b grant military titles as a way of encouraging the loyalty of their subjects

c provide financial incentives to minority populations to participate in local administration

d promote intermarriage between different ethnic populations in order to reduce conflict

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the options in the context of state-building (1450 - 1750). Option A: States often co - opted local groups (like elites, communities) to reduce resistance. For example, in empires like the Ottoman or Mughal, incorporating local power structures helped maintain rule. Option B: Granting military titles alone is less about suppressing resistance and more about military loyalty, not the main method here. Option C: Financial incentives for minority admin participation is not the typical strategy of the era (more about co - optation of groups, not financial for admin). Option D: Intermarriage for conflict reduction was not the primary way states sought to suppress resistance; co - optation of local groups (like giving them roles, recognizing their authority) was more common. So A fits best.

Answer:

A. suppress resistance to their rule by co - opting local groups