aug 9, 1848 - Free-Soil Party Reforms

Description:

What: Formed in 1848, this political party was based on two key principles. The first, open land in the West for Americans seeking economic benefit, and the second, the opportunity to live and work, free from the competition of slave labor. In the presidential campaign of 1848, the Free Soil Party nominated Martin Van Buren for president and Charles Francis Adams for vice president. This party was essentially a single issue reform party, which was dedicated to stopping the spread of slavery into new states and territories in the West. Although an important cause, the party was short lived because it could not generate enough widespread support. Most of the Free-Soil Party members were later absorbed into the Republican Party when it formed in 1854.

Important People: Martin Van Buren and Charles Francis Adams

Led to War: This party sought only one objective. It was going to end slavery. With the very focused goal, much effort was put into making their goal a success. The southerners were not very thrilled to find out that their main source of income was threatened by a party whose sole purpose was to end slavery.