What effect does the use of the words would and could, along with punctuation, have on this text?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

It suggests that racial equality in the United States was once viewed as impossible to achieve.
It suggests that racial equality in the United States was once viewed as impossible to achieve. - no response given

It builds the uncertainty that all Americans faced toward many elements of society after the Civil War.
It builds the uncertainty that all Americans faced toward many elements of society after the Civil War. - incorrect

It illustrates that abolishing slavery did very little to change most opinions after the Civil War.
It illustrates that abolishing slavery did very little to change most opinions after the Civil War. - no response given

It stresses how obstinate White leaders in the United States once were toward Black Americans.

Answer 1

The use of the words "would" and "could," alongside specific punctuation choices, can convey a sense of uncertainty, possibility, and hypothetical situations. In the context of discussing racial equality in the United States after the Civil War, these words can suggest that achieving equality was seen as uncertain or dependent on various conditions.

Therefore, the most fitting effect would be:

It builds the uncertainty that all Americans faced toward many elements of society after the Civil War.

The focus on the hypothetical nature of the statements can highlight the struggles and challenges in the era, reflecting a pervasive doubt about the future of racial equality.