Why was there delay on slavery despite the ideals of the French Revolution?

Correct answer: Because the interests of merchants and plantation owners were strong

The direct answer is A: merchants and plantation owners had strong economic interests. Revolutionary ideas spoke of liberty and equality, but colonial plantations produced profitable goods through enslaved labour. Merchants gained from the trade, and plantation owners depended on forced labour for production. These groups therefore used their influence to delay or weaken abolition. Option A is correct because it explains the conflict between ideals and economic interests. Option B is wrong because enslaved people clearly desired freedom; their resistance and demands show this. Option C is wrong because slave labour was central to many colonial plantations. Option D is wrong because the National Assembly and revolutionary society knew that slavery existed, even though political action was delayed. The lesson is that noble principles may be blocked when powerful groups fear losing money and influence. Memory cue: ideals said equality, profits defended slavery.