Answer:
an army
Explanation:
The text above states that the "host" made a horrible noise and had a strong step that raised a lot of dust. This gives us the impression that the "host" is not a single person, but a large number of people, a crowd, which can indicate that this word refers to an army. Which makes perfect sense, since the word "host" used to be used to refer to an army.
What the verbs fit, set, and read have in common is that they keep the same form no matter what tense is used.
You can say - I read a book every day. Or Those pants fit you nicely. Or I set the table often.
And if you want to say all that in the past tense, it would look the same:
I read a book yesterday. Those pants fit him nicely a long time ago. I set the table two days ago.
Answer:
they feel optimistic about the future
“an unobstructed passage to the Atlantic”
This "unobstructed passage to the Atlantic" allows for access "to every quarter of the world." The ability to reach every part of the word allows for Britain to trade with anyone and everyone. It best supports the thesis that Britain's geographic advantages supported trade. The detail "insular [inward looking] situation" makes Britain seem closed off as it is focused on it being inside itself rather than open to others. "Combined with the command of the seas" indicates that Britain has access to the seas, but doesn't show how far reaching it goes. "Secures our territory from invasion" would be better to prove that Britain is well protected and safe from invading forces.
