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The first Republicans did not focus on abolition because they wanted to change a class structure, they fought for abolition because they feared an unfair imbala
by rm_-rf_slash 10y ago
The first Republicans did not focus on abolition because they wanted to change a class structure, they fought for abolition because they feared an unfair imbalance in the labor market as the nation expanded westward while the abolitionist policies of the northern states ensured that there would be a continuous set of compromises between new free and slave states such that over time the slave states would be dominant economically and politically (3/5ths clause).
- narrowrail 10y agoWhile it may be true that some Republicans were motivated by economic concerns, I highly doubt all; and, I believe there were noted abolitionists that helped to form the party.