Conscience Whig

United States history

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June 24, 2026

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The Conscience Whigs were a faction of the Whig Party in the United States active during the mid-19th century. Primarily active in the North, they were distinguished by their strong opposition to the expansion of slavery into western territories. This stance often put them at odds with the "Cotton" Whigs, who represented the proslavery faction of the party.12

The Conscience Whigs' anti-slavery views were a significant factor in the eventual dissolution of the Whig Party. Many Conscience Whigs, disillusioned with their party's position on slavery, moved to join the newly formed Republican Party in 1854, which more fully embraced the idea of opposing slavery.12

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Ebenezer R. Hoar
…described himself as a “Conscience Whig,” in contrast to the proslavery “Cotton Whigs.” These designations were henceforth widely used, and Hoar became a recognized spokesman of the Conscience Whigs. As such, he opposed the Whigs’ nomination of Zachary Taylor for president in 1848, and he was instrumental in the…
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…described himself as a “Conscience Whig,” in contrast to the proslavery “Cotton Whigs.” These designations were henceforth widely used, and Hoar became a recognized spokesman of the Conscience Whigs. As such, he opposed the Whigs’ nomination of Zachary Taylor for president in 1848, and he was instrumental in the…
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United States presidential election of 1848
Candidates and issues
…alliance of disaffected Democrats, “Conscience” (antislavery) Whigs, and a splintered faction of the Liberty Party formed the Free-Soil Party , which unequivocally pledged opposition to the extension of slavery. At a convention in Buffalo, New York, in August, the embryonic party put forward a ticket headed by former president…
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…alliance of disaffected Democrats, “Conscience” (antislavery) Whigs, and a splintered faction of the Liberty Party formed the Free-Soil Party , which unequivocally pledged opposition to the extension of slavery. At a convention in Buffalo, New York, in August, the embryonic party put forward a ticket headed by former president…
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Whig Party
…to unravel as factions of “Conscience” (antislavery) Whigs and “Cotton” (proslavery) Whigs emerged. In 1848 the party returned to its winning formula by running a military hero—this time Zachary Taylor—for president. But the Compromise of 1850, fashioned by Henry Clay and signed into law by Millard Fillmore (who succeeded to…
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…to unravel as factions of “Conscience” (antislavery) Whigs and “Cotton” (proslavery) Whigs emerged. In 1848 the party returned to its winning formula by running a military hero—this time Zachary Taylor—for president. But the Compromise of 1850, fashioned by Henry Clay and signed into law by Millard Fillmore (who succeeded to…
Read More