Which explains why Ottoman leaders began a policy of deportation and extermination of the armenians within their empire?

a. they argued that Armenians were spreading anti-turk propaganda among the ottoman population
b. they claimed that armenians were trying to establish their own state withing the ottoman empire
c. they asserted that Armenians were trying to forcibly convert turks to islam
d. they asserted that armenians were supporting russia, an ottoman enemy in world war 1
i believe the answer is B?

I agree with B.

To determine the correct answer to this question, we can analyze the given options:

a. They argued that Armenians were spreading anti-Turk propaganda among the Ottoman population.
This option suggests that Ottoman leaders believed that the Armenians were involved in spreading negative information about the Turkish people. However, while propaganda might have been a factor, it does not fully explain the policy of deportation and extermination.

b. They claimed that Armenians were trying to establish their own state within the Ottoman Empire.
This option suggests that Ottoman leaders believed that the Armenians were attempting to create an independent Armenian state within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire. This assertion is historically accurate and is considered one of the main reasons for the Ottoman policy of deportation and extermination. This option aligns with the events and motivations surrounding the Armenian Genocide.

c. They asserted that Armenians were trying to forcibly convert Turks to Islam.
This option suggests that Ottoman leaders believed that the Armenians were seeking to convert Turkish Muslims to their Christian faith through force. While the conversion issue has been present in some historical conflicts, it is not a primary reason for the Ottoman policy of deportation and extermination during the Armenian Genocide.

d. They asserted that Armenians were supporting Russia, an Ottoman enemy in World War I.
This option suggests that Ottoman leaders believed that the Armenians were actively supporting the Ottoman Empire's enemy, Russia, during World War I. While it is true that some Armenians in the region supported Russia, this reason alone does not explain the policy of deportation and extermination.

Considering the explanations provided, option B, which claims that the Armenians were trying to establish their own state within the Ottoman Empire, aligns with historical records and generally considered as the primary reason for the Ottoman policy of deportation and extermination of the Armenians. Therefore, your belief that option B is the correct answer is correct.