Question

“it is harder, montesquieu has written, to release a nation from servitude than to enslave a free nation… but are we capable of maintaining in proper balance the difficult charge of a republic? is it conceivable that a newly emancipated people can soar to the heights of liberty and, unlike icarus, neither have its wings melt nor fall into the abyss?… there is no reasonable probability to bolster our hopes.” simon bolivar, 1815 in this quote from simon bolivar, what is he most likely trying to argue? a slavery in the united states should be eliminated b the fables of old serve no purpose in modern politics. c he thinks south america will never be free from spanish and portuguese political control. d enlightenment ideals should cautiously be applied to south america to achieve independence.

Explanation:

Simon Bolivar was a key figure in South American independence movements. Montesquieu was an Enlightenment thinker. Bolivar references Montesquieu's ideas (Enlightenment ideals) and questions if a newly emancipated people (South Americans seeking independence) can maintain liberty (like a republic) without failing (Icarus myth). He is cautious about applying these ideals.

• Option A: The quote is about South America (not the US) and liberty/maintaining a republic, not slavery in the US.
• Option B: The Icarus fable is used as a metaphor, not arguing fables have no purpose in modern politics.
• Option C: Bolivar was actively working for South American independence, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: Matches the analysis as he is cautious about applying Enlightenment - inspired (republic - maintaining, liberty - achieving) ideas to South America.

Answer:

D. Enlightenment ideals should cautiously be applied to South America to achieve independence.