Question

passage 2
this tract written by author and college professor charles augustus eggert was published in california in 1889 as part of the collection why i am opposed to socialism: original arguments for defending man and woman, societies was a hotly - debated controversial theory at that time. our years following the industrial revolution, americans were just starting to study the identity of socialism and its practices.
why i am opposed to socialism
by charles augustus eggert
on which point would both authors, eggert and blanc, most likely agree?

• wealth is a reflection of superior skill and effort
• monopolies should not be allowed to limit competition.
• competition leads to higher wages for workers.
• rich people will not voluntarily give up their power

Explanation:

To determine the point of agreement, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: "Wealth is a reflection of superior skill and effort" – This is more in line with a capitalist view that might not be shared by a socialist - leaning author (Blanc likely has socialist - related views, and Eggert is opposed to socialism but this view is a narrow capitalist - centered take on wealth, so unlikely both agree).
• Option 2: "Monopolies should not be allowed to limit competition" – Eggert is opposed to socialism (likely supports free - market principles where monopolies limiting competition are bad for the market), and Blanc (a socialist - leaning thinker) would also oppose monopolies limiting competition as they go against fair economic practices and worker welfare. This is a point both could agree on as monopolies limiting competition is bad for both free - market and socialist - oriented economic fairness.
• Option 3: "Competition leads to higher wages for workers" – In a free - market (Eggert's likely view) competition can lead to higher wages, but for a socialist - leaning Blanc, competition might not be the main driver of higher wages (collective action, labor laws etc. might be more important), so less likely.
• Option 4: "Rich people will not voluntarily give up their power" – This is more of a socialist - leaning view about the elite, and Eggert (opposed to socialism) might not necessarily agree with this as a core point.

Answer:

B. Monopolies should not be allowed to limit competition