Question

Read the passage from Sugar Changed the World.

Cane sugar had brought millions of Africans into slavery, then helped foster the movement to abolish the slave trade. In Cuba large-scale sugar planting began in the 1800s, brought by new owners interested in using modern technology. Some of these planters led the way in freeing Cuban slaves. Now beet sugar set an example of modern farming that helped convince Russian nobles that it was time to free their millions of serfs. And that is precisely where Marc's family story begins—with Nina's grandfather, the serf who bought his freedom from figuring out how to color beet sugar.

How does the evidence support the central idea that cane sugar helped lead to the abolition of slavery?

The evidence explains that serfs bought their freedom to color beet sugar instead.
The evidence reveals that sugar barons in Cuba and Russia freed enslaved people and serfs.
The evidence reveals that the author's family members were hardworking serfs on Russian farms.
The evidence details how the modern technologies were used for large-scale sugar planting.

Answer 1

The evidence reveals that sugar barons in Cuba and Russia freed enslaved people and serfs.

Explanation: The passage cites Cuban planters who led the way in freeing slaves and notes beet-sugar farming convinced Russian nobles to free serfs—showing sugar production helped drive moves toward abolition.