Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
free-soiler
Noun
/ˈfriˈsɔɪlər/
Definition
A member of a political party in the United States that opposed the expansion of slavery into the western territories during the mid-19th century.
Examples
- The Free-Soiler movement played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape prior to the Civil War.
- Many Free-Soilers believed that the expansion of slavery would undermine the wages and rights of free laborers.
- They often faced opposition from pro-slavery advocates in both the North and the South.
Meaning
Free-soilers advocated for the prohibition of slavery in new territories to ensure that land would be available for free men and labor.
Synonyms
- Anti-slavery advocate
- Liberty party member
- Opponents of slavery expansion
