The Know Nothings Explained

The video explores the rise and fall of the Know Nothing Party in the 1840s and 1850s, driven by nativism and anti-Catholic sentiment. It discusses the political landscape, including the decline of the Whig Party and the emergence of the Republican Party. The Know Nothings capitalized on fears of immigration and Romanism but eventually dissolved due to internal divisions and the growing prominence of the slavery issue.

What was a major factor that contributed to the rise of nativism in the 1840s?

• The influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Germany

• The abolition of slavery

• The discovery of gold in California

• The invention of the telegraph

What was the primary concern regarding Catholic immigrants during the 1840s?

• They were suspected of spreading diseases

• They were thought to be spies for European monarchies

• They were accused of stealing jobs from native-born Americans

• They were believed to be loyal to the Pope rather than the United States

Which political party's decline helped pave the way for the Know Nothing Party?

• The Republican Party

• The Federalist Party

• The Whig Party

• The Democratic Party

What was the main ideological stance of the Know Nothing Party?

• Promotion of free trade

• Support for the abolition of slavery

• Advocacy for women's suffrage

• Nativism and anti-Catholic sentiment

Who was the founder of the American Republican Party, which later became the Know Nothing Party?

• Millard Fillmore

• Louis Charles Levin

• John Callahan

• Horace Greenlee

What was a significant reason for the decline of the Know Nothing Party?

• The party's focus on economic issues over social issues

• The party's support for the abolition of slavery

• The party's secretive nature and lack of a central leader

• The party's failure to win any elections

Which former U.S. President ran as a candidate for the Know Nothing Party in 1856?

• James Buchanan

• Millard Fillmore

• Franklin Pierce

• Abraham Lincoln

What was the outcome of the 1856 presidential election for the Know Nothing Party?

• They won the presidency

• They received 22% of the popular vote

• They merged with the Democratic Party

• They did not participate in the election

What major issue overshadowed the Know Nothing Party, leading to its decline?

• The construction of the transcontinental railroad

• The debate over the expansion of slavery

• The discovery of gold in California

• The invention of the steam engine

Which political party eventually absorbed the Know Nothing Party?

• The Green Party

• The Republican Party

• The Democratic Party

• The Federalist Party