Which of the following was one way that western powers gained the upper hand in muslim regions of the world

One way that the Western powers gained the upper hand in Muslim regions of the World was apparently by sending troops to protect their interests. Hence in addtion to internal decay and stress, the Muslim empires have to face Westernization.

the two colonies had the earliest laws mandating religious tolerance.

your answer is

to dominate europe

and i know for a fact it can't be the others