Which statement best illustrates the contradiction between Enlightenment
values and government policies in the early United States?
A. The Enlightenment called for the gradual abolition of slavery, but
the U.S. government tried to immediately eliminate the institution.
B. The Enlightenment focused on maximizing economic growth, but
the U.S. government was more concerned with ending slavery.
C. Enlightenment values emphasized equality, but the U.S.
government continued to allow some people to hold others as
slaves.
D. Enlightenment values emphasized the superiority of Europeans,
but the U.S. government took steps toward racial equality.
