Question

which most contributed to an absence of national identity in newly independent countries?
economies based on the growing of a single crop
strong education systems that produced a skilled workforce
boundaries that disregarded ethnic and religious differences
violence used in a lengthy struggle for independence

Explanation:

To determine the factor most contributing to the absence of national identity in newly independent countries, we analyze each option:

• "Economies based on a single crop" relates to economic structure, not directly to national identity formation.
• "Strong education systems" would likely foster unity/identity, not hinder it.
• "Boundaries that disregarded ethnic and religious differences": Colonial-era boundary - drawing often ignored cultural/ethnic divisions. When countries gained independence, these arbitrary boundaries forced diverse groups together without shared identity, creating internal divisions and weak national identity.
• "Violence in independence struggles" may cause trauma, but does not inherently prevent national identity (many nations formed identities through such struggles).

Answer:

C. boundaries that disregarded ethnic and religious differences