Northern workers generally did not oppose the abolition of slavery. In fact, many northern workers were actively involved in the abolitionist movement. Why the majority did not oppose slavery? Many northern workers were abolitionists as they feared that the expansion of slavery would lead to competition for jobs and lower wages. This fear arose from the belief that enslaved people were willing to work for lower wages than free laborers, potentially undercutting the wages of northern workers. There was also a concern that the expansion of slavery would lead to the creation of a powerful slaveholding class that would have political power and influence, potentially at the expense of the interests of northern workers.