Question

The Know-Nothing Party seemed to be one of contradictions: they wanted to limit the rights of immigrants, while promoting an – agenda. Why would a political party argue for limiting the rights of one group, but expanding the rights of another? While they did rally against certain groups, like –, it was mainly because these groups didn’t support the same ideals for which they stood, including abolition and –. Ultimately, the Know-Nothings actually accomplished very little in limiting the rights of immigrants. All European immigrants benefited from being –. These groups had the advantage of being able to –, while free blacks could not.

Answer 1

The Know-Nothing Party sought to limit immigrant influence, proposing to extend the naturalization period and restrict offices to natives, with little ultimate effect on immigrant rights. Their agenda included nativist policies but also opposition to slavery among Northern members. The party fractured over slavery and declined after 1856.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Know-Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, rose to prominence in the 1850s by capitalizing on nativist sentiments and opposition to the influence of immigrants, particularly the Irish and German Catholics. They linked the Irish's poverty and perceived ignorance to their religion and habits, supporting movements such as temperance and opposing funds for Catholic education to assimilate them into American society.

They aimed to preserve the political power of native-born citizens by proposing policies to extend the naturalization period and restrict public office to the native born. Despite their efforts, the Know-Nothings ultimately had little success in curbing immigrant rights, reflecting contradictions in their agenda which included both nativist policies and, among Northern members, opposition to the spread of slavery, aligning with the abolitionist movement.

The party's influence was notable in local and state elections, controlling several state governments, but as issues of slavery became more prominent, the party fissured along sectional lines, and their national influence dwindled, especially after their poor showing in the 1856 presidential election.

Answer 2

The Know-Nothing party wanted to promotion a NATIVIST agenda

Step-by-step explanation:

In the 1850's they rallied against Roman Catholics and immigrants, believing only native born male Protestants could vote or hold office.