Abolitionists, free-soilers and "know-nothings" had a very different way of thinking toward slavery. Abolitionists felt that the institution of slavery was a sin and should be stopped no matter what. Free-soilers did NOT have feelings as strong as abolitionists toward this matter but they opposed the spread of slavery into Western territories since they were pro-labour and did not wish any black-labour competition. Know-nothings; however, had different views on slavery and were not able to take a stand on this matter since they focused on religion and nationality rather than race.