What best summarizes the central idea of the passage from “How the Internet and Other Technologies Came About”? A. Technological advancement is a side effect of military efforts to win wars.
B. Technological advancement is a side effect of academic competition between countries.
C. Technological advancement is a side effect of economic competition between countries.
D. Technological advancement is a side effect of profit-driven corporations.
The best answer is C. Technological advancement is a side effect of economic competition between countries.
Explanation: This option captures the idea that economic competition drives innovation and technological advancements as countries strive to improve their competitiveness and economic standing. The other options, while relevant to certain aspects of technology’s history, do not encompass the broader economic motivations that are often a significant factor in technological development.