How did the decline of the Ottoman Empire help cause World War I? A. The Germans' refusal to ally themselves with the weakening Ottoman Empire upset the balance of power. B. The weakening Ottoman presence in Iraq allowed foreign agents to start rebellions in the area. C. The Ottomans' increasing dependence on English military power led to international tensions. D. The end of centralized Ottoman control in the Balkans led to growing instability in the region.