Anti-Immigrant Parties: The Know Nothing Party
The Know Nothing Party could largely be described as a protectionist party that held anti-immigrant viewpoints. They also had anti-Catholic leanings as well. Catholic immigrants were perceived to be responsible for a lowering in the quality of life for the average American. These immigrants were said to be satisfied with lower wages, which depressed overall wages for the lower and middle classes.
The Know Nothing Party took a series of different positions to appeal to their voter base. A group of senators wanted to prohibit slavery in the western territories, freeing slaves held in Washington D.C., banning the purchase and sale of slaves, and repealing the Fugitive Slave Act which required people to return runaway slaves to their “owners.”
The Know Nothing Party took a series of different positions to appeal to their voter base. A group of senators wanted to prohibit slavery in the western territories, freeing slaves held in Washington D.C., banning the purchase and sale of slaves, and repealing the Fugitive Slave Act which required people to return runaway slaves to their “owners.”