What did the concept of 'free labor' advocate for?

The concept of 'free labor' primarily advocated for the idea of freedom from government interference in the labor market. This ideology emerged in the context of the antebellum United States, particularly in the North, contrasting with the labor practices found in the South, which relied on slavery. Proponents of free labor believed that individuals should have the autonomy to sell their labor as they chose, without coercion or constraints imposed by the government. This philosophy was integral to the economic and social arguments against slavery, emphasizing personal liberty, the right to work, and the opportunity for upward mobility through hard work and talent in a competitive environment.

In this viewpoint, free labor was associated with the notion that employment should be based on voluntary agreements between workers and employers, reinforcing the belief in the merits of a capitalist economy driven by individual initiative and personal freedom. This concept resonated with those advocating for labor reforms and equality of opportunity, though it often excluded marginalized groups and did not always align with the realities faced by many workers.