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Home » Civil War

The Know Nothing Party

Published: Aug 25, 2018 · Modified: Nov 8, 2023 by Russell Yost · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Know Nothing Party was a political party that rose to prominence in the 1850s. Its platform represented a strong stance on immigration, specifically targeting the anti-Catholic vote. 

The Know Nothing Party
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The Know Nothing Party Facts

  • In 1849, the secret order of the Star-Spangled Banner formed in New York City, and soon, lodges were founded in every major city in the United States. This would become the backbone of the party.
  • The Know Nothings were fearful of the influx of German and Irish immigrants.
  • They got their name when Members were asked about their nativist organizations and replied that they knew nothing.
  • As the party gained support, they changed their name to the American Party.
  • The Know-Nothing Party tended to be the middle ground between the pro and anti-slavery parties. They were particularly effective at the local level.
  • During the 1854 elections, the Know-Nothing party had elected 43 representatives. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act helped increase their popularity.
  • Their power quickly waned. The party was divided along sectional lines over the proslavery platform pushed through by Southern delegates.
  • Former president Millard Fillmore ran as their candidate in the 1856 election and carried the state of Maryland.
  • After the 1856 elections, the party was absorbed by the two main parties. Anti-slavery Know-Nothings joined the Republican Party, and Southern members joined the pro-slavery Democratic Party.
  • The remaining Know-Nothings joined the old Whig Party and formed the Constitutional Union Party. They nominated John Bell of Tennessee for president.
  • He finished fourth in a four-man contest. The election all but finished off the party. The Know Nothings were never taken seriously again.

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