Read the excerpt below and then answer the following question. hint: recreancy is "the state of being unfaithful or cowardly."

i cannot but regard oppression in every formand most of all, that which turns a man into a thingwith indignation and abhorrence. not to cherish these feelings would be recreancy to principle. they who desire me to be dumb on the subject of slavery, unless i will open my mouth in its defence, ask me to give the lie to my professions, to degrade my manhood, and to stain my soul.
-william lloyd garrison, 18542

how does the excerpt relate to slavery in the united states?

a. it demonstrates that abolitionists were pressured to keep their views private.

b. it defends slavery as necessary to the united states' social and political system.

c. it highlights the struggle between those who supported slavery but believed in equality.

d. it describes the long-term effects of slavery that continued even after it was abolished.