Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Men

"Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Men" was a slogan used in the 1840s and 1850s emphasizing opposition to the expansion of slavery into new U.S. territories (Free Soil), defending the right to express opinions without censorship (Free Speech), and supporting the idea that all men should have basic freedoms and autonomy (Free Men). It reflected the belief that slavery undermined notions of individual liberty and the democratic ideals of a free society. The slogan linked the fight against slavery with broader principles of personal rights and political freedom.