The Untold Know Nothings

The Know Nothing Party, emerging in the mid-19th century, was driven by xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Irish Catholics. Formed as a secret society, it evolved into the American Party, advocating for traditional American values through negative messaging. Despite its popularity, gaining 22% of the vote in the 1856 election, internal divisions over slavery led to its dissolution in 1860. However, its nativist beliefs persist, influencing modern immigration debates.

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