Need help with this one

Which of the following was a difficulty faced by the ottoman empire in the 1700s and 1800s?   a.  financial independence      b.  lack of trained artisans      c.  refusal to trade with other nations      d.  rebelling ethnic groups

What was new about the writing system developed by the phoenicians, and why was this important to the growth of knowledge and spread of ideas?

The articles of confederation allowed congress to: make and borrow money. declare war. create a postal service. all of these choices are correct.