Set 2: Inferences (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) was the only successful slave revolt that led to an independent nation. Yet for decades, it was marginalized in historical accounts, often treated as an exception rather than central to Atlantic revolutionary history. Recent scholarship argues this marginalization reflected discomfort with a revolution that challenged racial hierarchies as well as political ones.
What does the passage suggest about historical canon formation?
Detailed Explanation
This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'Marginalization reflected discomfort' with racial challenge = ideological factors shaped what was deemed 'central.' A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.
Key Evidence:
• "marginalized in historical accounts"
• "marginalization reflected discomfort"
Why others are wrong: A ('Discomfort with challenging racial hierarchies' influenced writing.), B (It was 'marginalized.'), D (It created an 'independent nation' = highly significant.).