Meaning: This quote by William Seward, a prominent American statesman and politician, reflects on the historical context of the institution of slavery in the United States. Seward, who served as the 12th Governor of New York and later as the United States Secretary of State, was a vocal opponent of slavery and played a significant role in the abolitionist movement.

In this quote, Seward is asserting that in the contemporary context, there is no free state that would choose to establish slavery, nor is there a slave state that, if given the choice, would willingly opt for slavery. This statement encapsulates Seward's belief that the institution of slavery was fundamentally incompatible with the principles of freedom and liberty that underpin a free society.

During the 19th century, when Seward was active in politics, the United States was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The southern states relied heavily on slave labor for their agrarian economy, while the northern states, particularly those with more industrialized economies, were increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery. Seward was a leading figure in the newly formed Republican Party, which was staunchly anti-slavery and sought to prevent the spread of slavery into new territories.

Seward's quote reflects the moral and ethical stance that he and many others in the abolitionist movement held. They believed that the practice of enslaving human beings was not only abhorrent but also fundamentally incompatible with the principles of a free and just society. Seward's assertion that no free state would choose to establish slavery underscores the belief that the values of freedom and human dignity are antithetical to the subjugation and exploitation of individuals as chattel.

Furthermore, Seward's statement also challenges the prevailing attitudes of the time, particularly in the southern states where slavery was deeply entrenched. By asserting that no slave state, if given the choice, would opt for slavery, Seward challenges the notion that the perpetuation of slavery was a natural or inevitable state of affairs. He suggests that the institution of slavery was upheld through coercion, economic interests, and entrenched power structures, rather than being a choice that would be made in a truly free and equitable society.

Seward's quote also reflects the broader historical and political context of the period leading up to the American Civil War. The tensions between the free states and slave states over the expansion of slavery into new territories ultimately led to the secession of the southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War. Seward's firm stance against the expansion of slavery and his belief in the inherent incompatibility of slavery with the principles of freedom contributed to the ideological and moral underpinnings of the conflict.

In conclusion, William Seward's quote encapsulates the moral and ethical stance of the abolitionist movement during a pivotal period in American history. His assertion that no free state would establish slavery and no slave state, if given the choice, would opt for it, reflects the deeply held belief that the institution of slavery was fundamentally at odds with the principles of freedom and justice. Seward's words also challenge the prevailing attitudes of the time and underscore the moral imperative of opposing the subjugation and exploitation of human beings.