Sc1000q468

[ConVerbal]

468. Just because King Alfred occupied and fortified London in 886 did not mean that he also won the loyalty of its citizens: the invading Danes were well aware of this weakness and used it to their advantage in 893.
(A) Just because King Alfred occupied and fortified London in 886 did not mean that he
(B) The fact that King Alfred had occupied and fortified London in 886 did not mean that he had
(C) Just because King Alfred occupied and fortified London in 886, it did not mean he
(D) The fact that King Alfred occupied and fortified London in 886, it did not mean that he
(E) Just because King Alfred had occupied and fortified London in 886, it did not mean he

Please provide your explanation. I got this SC correct but through POE. Wanted to know why exactly the correct answer is correct.

OA:

SPOILER: B

[coolaman]

"Did not mean that" in the sentence warrants past perfect tense. Hence B.

[lesfeaves]

C,D,E is wrong because of "it" and as explained by coolaman it warrants past perfect hence B

[wannabee]

I agree with B

[manuuuu]

Just because does not make sense. Its not idomatic.
So we are now down to B and D.
When i look at D i cannot understand what does IT refer to ?

Moving onto B.
Why is B correct here ?
Because he had occupied(first) and then he fortified it.

So if 2 events take place in the past the one taking place earlier will be past perfect and the second will be simple past