Women had the first opportunity for economic development during the Industrial Revolution which started in the 18th century. The introduction of technological improvements, such as the steam engine, developed by James Watt, laid the path to the creation of numerous machines that would be utilized in various fields.
This made it possible for business owners to hire women and children, as it was no longer necessary to have only skilled workers as machines made the job much easier. As a result, women started going to work in the factories as manufacturing jobs paid more than housekeeping jobs.
The key factor which fueled competition between European countries for colonies in the Americas was C) the desire to control sources of gold and silver. Although Europe did have certain resources, it had definitely depleted itself in gold and silver and there was a sort of race between the big European super powers to enrich themselves as much as they could. This can be especially seen with the silver mines in Mexico which both the Spanish and the French wanted to acquire.
Answer:
Trade became more difficult, as well as the movement of armies. It is hard to protect a falling Roman Empire from enemies when the roads don't support moving armies. Trade took a hit because how are you supposed to transport items from one way to another for sale if the roads cannot support your caravans?
