Which historical factor most influenced which countries were formed following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991? Many of these countries had existed before being absorbed into the USSR

Every ethnic group was given their own territory

European Union officials separated the land when they took over

Many former soviet countries petitioned the United Nation for freedom

Correct answer is Many of these countries had existed before being absorbed into the USSR .

Explanation:

First option is correct because most of these countries proclaimed independence after the fall of Russian Empire, but were later practically absorbed by Soviet Union. It includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Baltic states...

Although in many of this countries certain ethnic groups have majority, the countries were not shaped like that.

EU had nothing to do with this process.

Last option also is not correct, as they proclaimed independence on their own, mostly on referendum.