The Know-Nothings
Primary Author: Benjamin Ransley
The primary author is the individual who drafted the first version of
this section; a section that could have been modified since it was
originally published.
History of the Know-Nothings
The Know-Nothings were a political movement most
prominent in the United States during the 1850s. Based
on the promotion of nativist and anti-immigrant ideals,
the Know-Nothing Movement attempted to shift the
balance of political power in the United States in their
favor.
The movement began in 1849, where it was initially
formed in New York as "The Order of the Star Spangled
Banner" by a man named Charles Allen. As time passed,
the organization became increasingly politically
motivated. The "Know-Nothing" moniker came from the
group's policies regarding secret keeping prior to its public political workings. When asked of the group,
its members, or its workings, those involved with the movement were ordered to reply with "I don't
know" or "I know nothing." The movement's political ambitions continued over the course of the early
1850s.
By the mid 1850s, the Know-Nothings had enjoyed numerous lower-level political successes including
both lower-level state position and a smaller amount of representation in Congress. In 1855, the party
publicly changed its name to the American Party and held its first and only national convention in 1856.
There, the Know-Nothings planned to focus on a presidential ticket headed by former president Millard
Fillmore.
Decline
Despite their ambitions, Millard Fillmore's presidential campaign ended in failure with less than ten
electoral votes. The election of 1856 would be the last major political effort made by the KnowNothings. Their national convention, rather than being a symbol of their rise to power, became a sign of
the party's decline.
Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/nineteenth/manuscripts/03-know-nothing.html
Last updated on 15 March 2015
Photo Caption: Uncle Sam's youngest son, Citizen Know Nothing by Sarony & Co., lithographer,
1853.
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The party's stances on immigration and nativism did not bring about its end. Rather, it was slavery that
threatened the party. From a political standpoint, the Know-Nothings had never made a general, public
response on their stance on slavery. This was partly due to the fact that its members were deeply
divided on the topic. The debate over slavery within the movement finally came to a head during the
party's national convention. Rather than attempt to find stability, many members of the movement who
were against slavery simply left the movement during the convention itself. A majority of these former
Know-Nothings flocked to the fledgling Republican Party. With many of these members being of
northern descent, the Know-Nothings found themselves without influence in almost half of the nation.
As a result, the movement rapidly declined over a period of several years. By 1860, what little remained
of the Know-Nothing movement had spread into minute factions, its political influence and power
completely shattered.
Nativism and Immigration
Nativism refers to a specific focus or belief in the actions and opinions of natives or natural-born
individuals, rather than immigrants. Political nativists championed long-standing "American" ideals
aiming to create legislature that would coincide with these ideals. Strong nativist belief and actions
served as the foundation for the Order of the Star Spangled Banner. This was just one example of a
movement becoming more politically oriented as time passed as the Order eventually transitioned into
the American Party in the mid 1850s.
The positions taken by nativists were amplified by the arrival of European immigrants during the early
and mid-1800s. Nativists clashed with immigrants, convinced that the cultures and ideals of these
immigrants were legitimate threats to American society. These nativists would challenge immigrants
both physical and politically, forming the basis for other movements similar to that of the KnowNothings.
Anti-Catholicism
Many of the nativists who would become prominent members of groups such as the Know-Nothings
were of Protestant faith. Protestant nativist workings against immigrants and immigration were
strengthened by the fact that many European immigrants were Catholic.
Although organizations such as the Know-Nothings were primarily politically oriented, violent acts
against Catholics were carried out by like-minded individuals. Examples include threats of violence
against the Sisters of Mercy in Providence, Rhode Island in 1851. Protestant political nativists were
fueled by desires to protect the culture and society of America from any and all outside "corruptions."
What classified as a "corruption," however, could be stretched to fit any belief and ideal that contrasted
their own beliefs; as seen with the Know-Nothings.
Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/nineteenth/manuscripts/03-know-nothing.html
Last updated on 15 March 2015
Photo Caption: Uncle Sam's youngest son, Citizen Know Nothing by Sarony & Co., lithographer,
1853.
2
Works Consulted
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Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/nineteenth/manuscripts/03-know-nothing.html
Last updated on 15 March 2015
Photo Caption: Uncle Sam's youngest son, Citizen Know Nothing by Sarony & Co., lithographer,
1853.
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"Know-Nothing Movement." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1. Academic
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Reprinted from College History
http://www.collegehistory.info/nineteenth/manuscripts/03-know-nothing.html
Last updated on 15 March 2015
Photo Caption: Uncle Sam's youngest son, Citizen Know Nothing by Sarony & Co., lithographer,
1853.
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