SC-King Alfred

[gmat009]

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

[niraj_a]

B?

Blow me down if "just because" is correct...it seems awkward to me.

[gmat009]

"just because" looks fine to me , my confusion is the use of "had" in choice B.
Both "just because" and "the fact" that makes sense to me.

[Indradeep]

I think the main point of contention is "he had"..past perfect is required because the sentecne is talking about 2 incidents in the past - one after another.

[stop@800]

IMO A

first had could be OK
but second had is not looking ok to me in B

Whats the OA?

[gmat009]

OA is B