Question

How did the foreign-born population become a major factor in american political life between 1820 and 1850? Who considered this an "alien menace", and what was their response?

Answer 1

Between 1820 and 1850, the foreign-born population growth influenced American political life, with immigrants often aligning with the Democratic Party. Nativist sentiments led to movements and laws aimed at restricting immigration, embodied in legislation such as the Alien Act, the American Protective Association's activities, and the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

Between 1820 and 1850, the foreign-born population in the United States became a major factor in American political life. The Irish and German populations in particular experienced significant growth, with many of them establishing homesteads in the Midwest. These immigrants brought with them different cultural values and political leanings, which began to influence American politics and society. Large numbers of the Irish, having faced persecution and economic hardship in their homeland, tended to support the Democratic Party, which advocated for the interests of the working class and was more aligned with their needs.

Nativism and the Response to Immigration

The influx of immigrants also led to the rise of nativism, an anti-immigrant sentiment among certain segments of the American population. These nativists considered the new immigrants an "alien menace" and believed they were a threat to the economic, social, and political order of the country. Groups like the Know-Nothing Party emerged with the intent of restricting immigration and preserving what they saw as the American way of life.

Legislation such as the Alien Act of 1798 was a response to these fears. The act extended residency requirements for citizenship and allowed the president to deport or imprison certain non-citizens. This sentiment continued into the late 19th and early 20th centuries with laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the establishment of the American Protective Association, which actively lobbied for restrictive immigration policies.

Answer 2

In the United States immigrant communities became a larger political influence in the early 19th century because of their dramatically increasing numbers. There were a large number of Irish and German immigrants coming to the US at this time due to famine in Ireland and political persecution in Germany. In response to the large influx of immigrants and their potential to influence the political system different groups of Americans took on anti-immigrant or "nativist" views, being strongly against the influx of immigrants and feared that these new immigrants would take their jobs. In response the Know-Nothing Party was formed to opposed this increased immigration politically.