Question

How can Jefferson's statement that "all men are created equal" be reconciled with the reality of slavery, social hierarchy, and mistreatment of Indians?

A) It cannot be reconciled, as it represents a contradiction in American history.
B) Jefferson's statement was purely theoretical and did not reflect his personal beliefs.
C) The statement was meant to apply only to certain groups of people at the time.
D) Jefferson's words reflected an ideal, but the historical context limited their application.

Answer 1

Jefferson's statement that 'all men are created equal' reflects an ideal, but the historical context limited its application due to the existence of slavery and social hierarchies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Jefferson's statement that 'all men are created equal' can be reconciled with the reality of slavery, social hierarchy, and mistreatment of Indians by understanding the historical context in which it was made. While Jefferson owned slaves himself, he recognized the contradiction and believed in the gradual emancipation of slaves. However, political support for abolition was limited at the time, and addressing the issue definitively could have threatened the stability of the young United States. Jefferson's words reflected an ideal, but the historical context limited their application.