The Free Soil Movement

The Free Soil Movement was a political effort in the mid-1800s that opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories acquired by the United States. Its main goal was to prevent slavery from spreading, believing that new territories should be available for free workers to settle and develop. The movement didn't aim to end slavery everywhere but focused on stopping its expansion, promoting free labor and opposition to the economic and moral implications of slavery. It eventually led to the creation of the Free Soil Party, which influenced broader debates about slavery and expansion in America.