Question

which statement expresses the central theme of this selection?
a slavery developed early in human history, so it is a challenging institution to eliminate.
b europeans were not sophisticated enough to understand how slavery was harmful.
c several european countries played an integral role in the development and growth of the lucrative, yet abhorrent, transatlantic slave trade.
d portugal was the european ringleader responsible for establishing a transatlantic trade in humans from africa to other countries around the world.

Explanation:

• Option A: The statement focuses on the difficulty of eliminating slavery due to its early development, but this is not likely the central theme of a selection about the transatlantic slave trade's European involvement.
• Option B: The idea that Europeans were not sophisticated enough to understand slavery's harm is not a typical central theme of such a selection and is also a flawed statement.
• Option C: This option correctly identifies that multiple European countries were integral to the development of the transatlantic slave trade, which is a common central theme in discussions about the transatlantic slave trade.
• Option D: While Portugal was involved, the central theme is more likely about multiple European countries' roles rather than just Portugal being the ringleader.

Answer:

C. Several European countries played an integral role in the development and growth of the lucrative, yet abhorrent, transatlantic slave trade.