definiton of free soil party
The Free Soil Party was a political party in the United States during the mid-19th century. It was formed in 1848 with the goal of opposing the expansion of slavery into the western territories acquired through the Mexican-American War.
The party believed that prohibiting slavery in these new territories would ensure economic opportunities and advancement for free white laborers, as well as preserve the democratic principles of the country. They argued that the presence of slave labor would drive wages down and limit opportunities for free workers.
However, the Free Soil Party did not advocate for the immediate abolition of slavery in the existing slave states. Instead, they focused on preventing its spread into new territories. They believed that by restricting slavery, these territories would eventually become free states and contribute to the overall growth of the free labor economy.
The Free Soil Party was short-lived but had a significant impact on American politics. Their platform garnered support from anti-slavery advocates and moderate Democrats, and their presence in the 1848 presidential election led to the formation of the Republican Party in subsequent years.