Slavery was a paradox because it went against the fundamental principles of equality and liberty that were at the core of the American Revolution. The idea of "all men are created equal" was enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, yet slavery existed in many states, which meant that a significant portion of the population was denied their freedom and basic human rights. Slavery was also paradoxical in that it was essential to the economy of the South, particularly in the production of cotton, yet it was a morally reprehensible institution that caused immense suffering to millions of people. The paradox of slavery was that it was both economically essential and morally indefensible, and this ultimately led to its abolition.
