Know-nothing Party (Noun)
Meaning
A former political party in the United States; active in the 1850s to keep power out of the hands of immigrants and Roman Catholics.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The Know-Nothing Party emerged as a nativist response to the increasing influx of immigrants from Ireland and Germany in the 1850s.
- Although it began as a secret society, the Know-Nothing Party's goals were relatively simple: keep immigrants and Catholics from holding public office.
- Despite their fervor, the Know-Nothing Party dissolved rapidly, torn apart by internal disagreements and dwindling popular support.
- Nativism and xenophobia defined the Know-Nothing Party, with leaders painting a vivid picture of American democracy imperiled by waves of undesirable foreigners.
- Several key cities had active Know-Nothing Party organizations, though ultimately these couldn't propel the movement into long-term electoral success.