Know-Nothing Party
The Know-Nothing Party was a political movement active in the United States from 1852 to 1856, characterized by its nativist and anti-Catholic sentiments. Formed in response to a growing wave of immigration, particularly from Ireland, the party emerged from the secretive Order of the Star-Spangled Banner, whose members typically responded "I know nothing" when asked about their organization. The party became a significant force in U.S. politics after rebranding as the American Party, achieving notable electoral successes in 1854 and 1855. The Know-Nothings shifted the political focus away from slavery by capitalizing on fears of foreign influence and alleged papal conspiracies. Their platform aimed to reform immigration laws, proposing to restrict immigration and extend the naturalization process. Despite gaining 21 percent of the popular vote with former president Millard Fillmore as their candidate in the 1856 election, the party could only secure victory in Maryland. Ultimately, internal divisions over the issue of slavery led to the party's decline and fragmentation. The Know-Nothing Party’s legacy reflects a complex intersection of nativism and political strategy in antebellum America.
Know-Nothing Party
The Know-Nothing Party was a political organization that prospered in the United States between 1852 and 1856. During that period, the antiforeign and anti-Catholic feelings of Americans concerned about the large numbers of immigrants arriving in the United States, especially from Ireland, led to the creation of political organizations grounded in prejudice. The secret Order of the Star-Spangled Banner, informally known as the Know-Nothings because “I know nothing” was the response of members queried regarding the organization, emerged as the most prominent of the nativist organizations. The Know-Nothings eventually dropped their secrecy to become a force in U.S. politics. Under a new name, the American Party, the Know-Nothings surprised the nation with electoral victories in 1854 and 1855. The new party successfully shifted attention away from the issue of slavery in many parts of the country by playing on unrealistic fears of foreign and papal plots to control the United States. The American Party platform called for reforming immigration laws by limiting the number of immigrants and extending the time requirement for naturalization. Former president Millard Fillmore, the American Party candidate for president in 1856, received 21 percent of the popular vote but carried only the state of Maryland. Unable to emerge as a dominant force in national politics, the American Party split into factions over the issue of slavery.
