Why could the prosperity of French ports become an obstacle in the path of abolition?

Correct answer: Because they earned large profits from the slave trade and trade in goods produced by enslaved labour

Several French ports prospered through the slave trade and through trade in goods such as sugar, coffee and indigo brought from Caribbean colonies. Since these goods were largely produced by enslaved labour, merchants and port interests could view abolition as a threat to their profits. Option B is incorrect because abolition did not mean that every port would close. Exam tip: Link opposition to abolition with economic interests and colonial trade.