Correct answer: (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
Explanation
- A
peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
Peasant resistance. 1859–60 was earlier; decline by 1900 is the market.
- B
its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
Unprofitable because of new inventions. Synthetic indigo (German, 1890s) crashed natural indigo.
- C
national leaders' opposition to the cultivation of indigo
National leaders. Secondary to chemistry and prices.
- D
Government control over the planters
Government control of planters. Not the keyed cause of the fade-out.
Summary. Official key is (b). Natural indigo lost the world market once synthetic indigo was invented and cheapened. Peasant revolt is the 1859 story, not the twentieth-century decline.
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