which of the following were basic principles of the know-nothing party
The Know-Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, was a political party in the United States in the mid-19th century. The party emerged in response to the increasing immigration of Irish and German Catholics and aimed to limit their influence and protect native-born Protestant Americans. The basic principles of the Know-Nothing Party included:
1. Nativism: The party was founded on a platform of nativism, which advocated for the protection of American identity and the privileges of native-born citizens. They sought to limit the influence of newly arrived immigrants, particularly Catholics.
2. Xenophobia: The Know-Nothings were highly xenophobic, fearing the influence of immigrants on American society and politics. They believed that only native-born Americans could be trusted to govern the nation.
3. Anti-Catholicism: The party was strongly anti-Catholic and opposed the influence of the Catholic Church in American politics and society. They perceived Catholicism as a threat to democratic values and individual rights.
4. Restricting Immigration: The Know-Nothings sought to implement stricter laws regarding immigration. They wanted to limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country and impose longer residency requirements for citizenship.
5. Secrecy: The party gained its nickname "Know-Nothing" because of its secretive nature. Members were instructed to reply "I know nothing" when questioned about the party's activities or intentions.
It is important to note that these principles reflect the ideology and beliefs of the Know-Nothing Party in the 1850s and may not align with contemporary values or mainstream political thought.