Historians point to several factors to account for Moscow's rise during medieval times. A. Moscow was located near the geographic center of Russian-speaking peoples and was situated advantageously with respect to enemies, travel, and expansion. B. Moscow expanded despite its early difficulty in its establishing command of its local waterways. C. Moscow was politically stable because its early rulers generally succeeded each other steadily and without violence. D. Moscow enjoyed numerous economic advantages due to expanding trade, successful farming and the relative absence of war. E. Because some of Moscow's princes were descended from ancestors with relatively small holdings they were slow to improve life for the principality's residents. F. Because its princes were deeply involved in economic activities such as agriculture and trade Moscow did not experience the power struggle that troubled other principalities.