The Know Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, was a prominent United States political party during the late 1840s and the early 1850s. The party was primarily anti-Catholic, xenophobic, and hostile to immigration, starting originally as a secret society. The Know Nothings believed that these "foreign" influences were a threat to the nation's unity. ## Key points about the Know Nothing Party 1. **Origins**: The party's origins can be traced to the secretive Order of the Star-Spangled Banner, founded in 1849. When members were asked about its secretive activities, they were supposed to respond, "I know nothing." This is where the nickname "Know Nothing" comes from. 2. **Platform**: The Know Nothing platform was based on nativism, anti-Catholic sentiment, and anti-immigration. They feared that immigrants, particularly Irish and German Catholics, would undermine traditional American values and were controlled by the Pope in Rome. 3. **Political Influence**: At the height of its influence, the Know Nothing Party, officially known as the American Party, had a significant political presence. In the mid-1850s, the party had managed to elect several mayors, congressmen, and governors. 4. **Decline**: The Know Nothing Party declined rapidly after the 1856 elections. The issue of [[slavery]] overpowered the issues of immigration and nativism, leading to a split in the party. Many members joined the newly formed Republican Party. 5. **Legacy**: The Know Nothing Party was a prominent example of nativist sentiment in the United States. While the party itself was short-lived, its ideologies continued to influence American politics. The party is often invoked as a historical precedent when discussing contemporary instances of political nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment.