The declaration of indepdence stated that all men are created equal. Yet there was a condraction in that there were slaves.

How did late 18th century americans reconcile this contradiction?

Hi can someone please help me. this is an essay question. I don't understand the whole reconcile thing in the question. What does it mean?

When you meet a word you don't understand, never forget a good dictionary. For example: reconcile

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French reconcilier, from Latin reconciliare, from re- + conciliare to conciliate
Date: 14th century
transitive senses
1 a : to restore to friendship or harmony <reconciled the factions> b : SETTLE, RESOLVE <reconcile differences>
2 : to make consistent or congruous <reconcile an ideal with reality>
3 : to cause to submit to or accept something unpleasant <was reconciled to hardship>
4 a : to check (a financial account) against another for accuracy b : to account for
intransitive senses
: to become reconciled
synonym see ADAPT

Sra