Why can the abolition of slavery be seen as both achievement and limitation of the French Revolution?

Correct answer: Freedom was declared in 1794 but it did not remain permanent

The abolition of slavery can be called an achievement because the National Convention declared freedom for enslaved people in 1794. This applied the revolutionary language of liberty and equality to people in the colonies and challenged a deeply exploitative institution. However, it was also a limitation because the change was not secure or permanent. Under Napoleon, slavery was restored in French colonies, showing that revolutionary principles could be withdrawn when political and economic interests changed.

Option A correctly contains both sides of the judgment: a real declaration of freedom and its later reversal. Saying that slavery was never discussed ignores the 1794 decree, and saying it did not exist in colonies is factually wrong. Napoleon also did not immediately complete final abolition. Thus the supplied answer is consistent. The question tests balanced historical evaluation rather than describing the Revolution as completely successful or completely unsuccessful.