5. The word "persisted" in line 9 is closest in meaning to (A) returned (B) started (C) declined (D) continued

9. What does the author mean by stating in line 17 that "economic development was on the merchants' side "? (A) Merchants had a strong impact on economic expansion. (B) Economic forces allowed merchants to prosper. (C) Merchants had to work together to achieve economic independence (D) Specialty shops near large markets were more likely to be economically successful.