At first, Europeans did not try to colonize Africa's interior, settling instead along Africa's coasts. What was it about the native population that made Europeans hesitate to expand their empires into the heart of Africa?

A The native people knew the strange landscape of the interior well and therefore could more easily resist.

B The natives had formed alliances with Asian troops, which made their armies too large to defeat.

C The native tribes of Africa had access to dangerous weapons and many skilled warriors.

D The native tribes were likely to band together, forming an army that would be difficult to overcome.