Question:
Read the passage from Sugar Changed the World.
In France, there was no legislative body or assembly; individuals had no expectation of safeguarding their rights through voting. Yet, in the realm of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, the populace insisted on their voices being heard. In July 1789, the citizens of Paris stormed the Bastille, the despised prison where the king imprisoned those he disapproved of. Concurrently, in August, the newly formed National Assembly proclaimed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, stating, "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” This echoed Pierre Lemerre’s words, Jefferson’s sentiments, embodying the principle that Clarkson championed—indeed, he ventured to France to lend support to the emerging government. Yet, the Declaration also professed that "property is an inviolable and sacred right.” This raises a critical question regarding the status of slaves: are they equal individuals, or merely possessions of their owners? The clash between human rights and property rights is a debate that continues today; for instance, we currently discuss the extent of regulations on coal mining. Should property owners dictate regulations to possibly secure cheaper coal for everyone, or should the government enforce standards to better protect laborers and the environment? In France, one faction advocated for the liberation of slaves, while the opposing side contended that altering conditions in the sugar colonies would provoke slave rebellions, assist France's adversaries, and undermine the nation.
What historical events do the authors reference to bolster the claims within this passage? Choose two options.
A) Actions taken by Marie Antoinette at the Bastille
B) Details regarding the contemporary sugar industry
C) An excerpt from the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen
D) An overview of political shifts pertaining to human rights in France
E) An account of revolts occurring in the sugar colonies
Answer:
The suitable answer is C)
Explanation:
The passage elaborates on the contentious debate surrounding human freedom and slavery.
The authors referenced the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen in the 5th and 7th sentences.
If individuals are inherently free and entitled to their liberties, yet simultaneously possess the right to their properties, what does this imply for slaves?
Slaves exist as possessions owned by individuals.
The crux of the discussion lies in that one side of the argument fundamentally views slaves as properties rather than as humans.
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