Which of the following statements best explains the motivations for creating the EIC? (1 point)

• The Mughal Empire was monopolizing trade with Europe, which threatened the British.
• The British government wanted to conquer the Mughal Empire by gaining the support of local nawabs.
• The Industrial Revolution allowed for the creation of new ship designs and navigation technologies.
• Mercantilist policies saw economic strength and the protection of trade as key to national security.

The statement, "Mercantilist policies saw economic strength and the protection of trade as key to national security," best explains the motivations for creating the EIC.

The statement that best explains the motivations for creating the East India Company (EIC) is: Mercantilist policies saw economic strength and the protection of trade as key to national security.