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Eric Foner The Free Soil Party And The Negro Summary

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Eric Foner’s article “Politics and Prejudice - The Free Soil Party and the Negro, 1849-1852” explores the political and social factors that contributed to the rise of the Free Soil Party in the mid-19th century and its relationship with the issue of slavery and racial equality. Foner argues that the Free Soil Party’s opposition to the extension of slavery was rooted not in a commitment to racial equality, but in a desire to protect the economic interests of white workers and small farmers in the North.

In the first section of the article, Foner provides historical context for the emergence of the Free Soil Party, explaining how the party grew out of the anti-slavery movement of the 1830s and 1840s. He then goes on to describe the party’s platform …show more content…

He argues that the Free Soil Party was not committed to racial equality and actually held prejudiced views towards African Americans. Foner cites evidence of Free Soil Party leaders making derogatory statements about African Americans and opposing efforts to grant them equal rights. He argues that the party’s opposition to the extension of slavery was not motivated by a desire to end racial inequality, but rather to preserve the economic interests of white …show more content…

His argument that the party’s opposition to slavery was primarily motivated by economic interests rather than moral concerns is persuasive, and his examination of the party’s views on race is valuable in understanding the complex political landscape of the mid-19th century. However, there are some limitations to his analysis, such as a lack of discussion of broader historical context and the role of other political parties and social movements in shaping attitudes towards slavery and race.

One potential criticism of Foner’s argument is that he downplays the importance of the moral opposition to slavery that was present within the Free Soil Party. While it is true that the party’s primary concern was with the economic impact of slavery, there were also many within the party who were deeply committed to the moral cause of ending slavery. Foner’s emphasis on economic motives may therefore be

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