FREESOILER Meaning and
Definition
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Freesoiler was a term used to refer to a member or supporter of the Free Soil Party, a political party in the United States in the mid-19th century. This party emerged in 1848 and operated until the early 1850s, primarily in response to the expansion of slavery in the newly acquired territories gained from the Mexican-American War.
A freesoiler aimed to prevent the spread of slavery into these territories, advocating for the exclusion of slavery from any future states. The party believed that slavery restricted opportunities for ordinary white workers and farmers, often known as "yeomen," as it expanded into western territories. The continued presence of slavery would limit the availability of land and jobs, undermining the prospects of these individuals.
Freesoilers argued that the territories should remain free to ascend as states without the institution of slavery. They sought to maintain the western territories as a safe haven for free labor and to promote opportunities for small farmers and free white workers. The party attracted various factions, including abolitionists, anti-slavery Democrats, and some anti-slavery Whigs.
Ultimately, the Freesoil Party would eventually merge into the Republican Party, which adopted many principles of the Freesoilers. The movement played a significant role in shaping the political discourse and eventually contributed to the tensions that led to the American Civil War.
Common Misspellings for FREESOILER
- freesoiler
- free soiler
- fre esoiler
- frees oiler
- freesewiler
- freesowiler
- dreesoiler
- creesoiler
- vreesoiler
- greesoiler
- treesoiler
- rreesoiler
- feeesoiler
- fdeesoiler
- ffeesoiler
- fteesoiler
- f5eesoiler
- f4eesoiler
- frwesoiler
- frsesoiler
Etymology of FREESOILER
The word "freesoiler" was a term primarily used in the mid-19th century United States to refer to a member or supporter of the Free Soil Party. This political party emerged in 1848 and opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories acquired by the United States. The etymology of the word "freesoiler" can be broken down as follows:
1. Free: Derived from the Old English word "freo", meaning "exempt from slavery or servitude". In this context, it signifies opposition to slavery and the belief in freedom for all individuals.
2. Soil: Referring to the land or territory. In the context of the Free Soil Party, it represents the lands being contested for future statehood and the idea that these territories should be kept free from the establishment of slavery.
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