In the 1940s and 1950s, pan-Arabism grew in the Middle East in response to

O a decrease in Arab nationalism.

O the division of the Ottoman Empire.

O European conquest and colonialism.

O growing influence from Western nations.

Growing influence from Western nations.

Explanation:

Great Britain and France wanted to preserve their colonial empires after the end of World War Two. But the old colonies and emerging nations wanted to be free and independent, and of course this created a contradiction. Both European powers had taken the old territories of the Ottoman empire after WWI or established protectorates. With the beginning of the Cold War in 1946-47, this positioning was relevant. But the colonialist desires for continued empire frontally collided with just national aspirations in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Influence From Western Nations