Which of the following most clearly differentiates the sixteenth century from the previous period in world history? A Establishment of nation states in the Americas B Extension of sugar production to the Americas C ) Use of steamships D Interest in Asian spice trade E Existence of slave trade

## Step 1<br />The question asks us to identify the event that most clearly differentiates the sixteenth century from the previous period in world history. The options provided are:<br />A) Establishment of nation states in the Americas<br />B) Extension of sugar production to the Americas<br />C) Use of steamships<br />D) Interest in Asian spice trade<br />E) Existence of slave trade<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to consider each option and determine which one is the most significant event that differentiates the sixteenth century from the previous period.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A, the establishment of nation states in the Americas, is a significant event that occurred during the sixteenth century. This event marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the Americas, as it led to the formation of new nation states.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B, the extension of sugar production to the Americas, is also a significant event that occurred during the sixteenth century. However, this event is not as significant as the establishment of nation states in the Americas.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C, the use of steamships, is not a significant event that occurred during the sixteenth century. Steamships were not invented until the nineteenth century, which is much later than the sixteenth century.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D, the interest in Asian spice trade, is not a significant event that occurred during the sixteenth century. The spice trade had been ongoing for centuries before the sixteenth century, so this event does not differentiate the sixteenth century from the previous period.<br /><br />## Step 7<br />Option E, the existence of slave trade, is not a significant event that occurred during the sixteenth century. The slave trade had been ongoing for centuries before the sixteenth century, so this event does not differentiate the sixteenth century from the previous period.