Read the passage from Sugar Changed the World . In the 1100s, the richest Europeans slowly began to add more flavor to their food—because of a series of fairs and wars. A smart count in the Champagne region of France guaranteed the safety of any merchant coming to sell or trade at the markets in the lord's lands. Soon word spread, and the fairs flourished. Starting around 1150, the six Champagne fairs became the one place where Europeans could buy and sell products from the surrounding world—a first step in connecting them to the riches and tastes beyond. Fortress Europe was slowly opening up. What evidence from the passage best supports the inference that Europe was dangerous for merchants to travel to before the 1100s?
Answer
A
"because of a series of fairs and wars"
B
"guaranteed the safety of any merchant"
C
"the one place where Europeans could buy and sell products"
D
"a first step in connecting them to the riches and tastes beyond"
Explanation
The count’s promise to “guarantee[] the safety of any merchant” suggests merchants faced dangers when traveling to trade. This detail best supports the inference that Europe had been dangerous for merchants before the fairs made travel safer. Choice A mentions wars but does not directly connect them to danger for merchants.
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