Antislavery advocates often envision a world free from the injustices and moral failings associated with practices like slavery. Their ideal society is appealing, but it often exists only in theory, not in reality. The American context of 1790 was far from this perfect vision, as it was instead characterized by the harsh realities of slavery and the complexities of human society.

Joseph J. Ellis, in his book "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," emphasizes that while idealism is admirable, the American nation of that era was shaped by historical legacies that included slavery. This harsh truth made the nation a challenging environment for those fighting for freedom and equality, highlighting the difficulties of reconciling ideals with real-world conditions.