Which group made up the Republican Party formed in 1854?

The Republican Party, established in 1854, was primarily formed by a coalition of various anti-slavery organizations and individuals. The key groups that came together to create this new political entity included Free Soilers, who were opposed to the expansion of slavery into the territories, and Anti-slavery Whigs, who were members of the former Whig Party that had dissolved due to internal divisions over the slavery issue.

By uniting these factions, the Republican Party aimed to provide a political platform that strongly opposed the spread of slavery into new western territories. The inclusion of both Free Soilers and Anti-slavery Whigs was critical to the party's foundation and success in attracting a broad base of support from various segments of society that were united in their opposition to slavery's extension.

This alliance distinguished the Republican Party from other political groups of the time, as it specifically focused on the anti-slavery sentiment that was gaining momentum in the years leading up to the Civil War. The formation of the Republican Party marked a significant realignment in American politics, as it brought together diverse elements committed to the same cause of limiting slavery's expansion.