Which of the following explains why the former yugoslavia broke up into a number of small countries after communist control ended in the late 1980s?

a) tensions between different ethnic group?
b) the desire of some republics to remain communist
c) pressure from western european nations
d) the lack of common heritage

A and D are similar -- but the better answer is probably A.

The correct answer is a) tensions between different ethnic groups. To understand why the former Yugoslavia broke up into small countries after communist control ended in the late 1980s, it is important to consider the historical context and ethnic dynamics.

To arrive at this answer, one can analyze the historical events and factors that led to the breakup. The former Yugoslavia was a multiethnic country composed of various republics, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Slovenia. Under communist rule, these republics were held together as a federation.

However, tensions between different ethnic groups in Yugoslavia, such as Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and ethnic Albanians, escalated during the 1980s due to long-standing historical and political disputes. These tensions were further exacerbated by economic struggles, nationalist movements, and the rise of regional leaders who exploited ethnic divisions for their own political gains.

As communist control weakened in the late 1980s, nationalist sentiments gained momentum, leading to demands for greater autonomy and independence from various republics. This further strained the unity of Yugoslavia and eventually led to the breakup of the federation.

Therefore, option a) tensions between different ethnic groups, provides the most accurate explanation for why the former Yugoslavia broke up into a number of small countries after communist control ended in the late 1980s.