Question

Read an excerpt from an informational document.

In comparing the advantages of England for
manufacturing with those of other countries, we can by
no means overlook the excellent commercial position
[location] of the country-intermediate [middle] between
the north and south of Europe, and its insular [inward
looking] situation, which, combined with the command of
the seas, secures our territory from invasion.... [O]ur
ports command an unobstructed passage to the Atlantic
and to every quarter of the world.
-Edward Baines, History of the Cotton Manufacture in
Great Britain, 1835
Which detail best supports the thesis that Britain's
geographic advantages supported trade?
O "its insular [inward looking] situation"
O"combined with the command of the seas"
O "an unobstructed passage to the Atlantic"
O "secures our territory from invasion"

Answer 1

Answer: C "an unobstructed passage to the Atlantic"

The excerpt from the informational document describes several advantages that Britain had for manufacturing, including its excellent commercial position as a middle point between the north and south of Europe, its insular situation, and its command of the seas. Of these advantages, the one that best supports the thesis that Britain's geographic advantages supported trade is "an unobstructed passage to the Atlantic." This detail suggests that Britain's location gave it easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, which was a major trade route at the time. This access would have allowed British manufacturers to easily export their goods to other countries, contributing to the country's economic success.