why was it important for florida to be admitted to the union
a. slaves were needed to operate and expand plantations
b. slave states were guaranteed the fugitive slaves would be protected
c. slaves made up the majority of the crew on most trade ships that crossed the atlantic ocean
d. slaves were needed to protect ports and harbors
b. slave states were guaranteed that fugitive slaves would be protected.
During the time Florida was being admitted to the Union, it was a slave-holding territory. Southern states, like Florida, were reliant on slave labor to support their agricultural economies, particularly in industries like cotton and sugar. As a result, ensuring the protection of slaveholders' property, including fugitive slaves, was of vital importance to these states. This guarantee was provided through the Fugitive Slave Clause in the United States Constitution.