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“ Know Nothings ” When asked about this political party, it’s members said: “I know nothing” a.k.a. the American Party t he American Republican Party t he Native American Party. 1856 Election Poster. Know Nothings: Nativists
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“Know Nothings” When asked about this political party, it’s members said: “I know nothing” a.k.a. • the American Party • the American Republican Party • the Native American Party
1856 Election Poster Know Nothings: Nativists • Mostly working class and middle class and Protestant (not the people most harmed by competition from immigrants) • Took more supporters from the Whigs than from the Democrats • Reaction to mass immigration -- Who is “American” is changing • Anti-Irish & Anti-German • Anti-Catholic 1840 – Catholics 5th largest religion 1850 – Catholics largest religion
Philadelphia Nativist Riots: 1844Burning of a Catholic Church on May 7
Philadelphia Nativist Riot: July 5, 1844Attack on a Church rumored to be armed