Complex sentence: As sugar prices declined in the early 1800s, the planter class lost political influence and, in 1848, Victor Schoelcher persuaded the French government to end slavery in the French West Indies.
Split into simpler sentences: As sugar prices declined in the early 1800s, the planter class lost political influenc. In1848, Victor Schoelcher persuaded the French government to end slavery in the French West Indies.