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History Of The Know-Nothing Party

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The Know-Nothing began in 1849, later to be known as the American Party in 1854, was a secret organization made up of members who were opposed to immigrants and people who followed the Catholic Church. The Know-Nothing party got their name by the response “I know nothing” when asked about their beliefs (Ohio History Central, n.d.). You think being a secret group, saying “I know nothing” that people would catch on. Most members were middle class workers that feared competing for jobs with immigrants. Their plan was to prevent Catholics and Immigrants from being able to be elected in the political offices. The American Party was popular in the North and began growing. By 1854 they had candidates win control of the Massachusetts legislature.
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