State Historical Society of Iowa

Know-Nothing National Platform, July 13, 1855

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "An Old-Line Whig's Opinion of the Know Nothing Platform," The Western Democrat, pp. 1, 13 July 1855

Description

This 1855 article is the national platform of the new Know-Nothing Party, which arose in reaction to the sectional crisis surrounding the issue of slavery. The Know-Nothings were also known as the American Party and surrounded themselves with nativist ideas. They were anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant.

Transcript of the "Know-Nothing National Platform"

Printable Excerpt of the "Know-Nothing National Platform"

Source Dependent Questions

  • Based on this article, how do you think the established political parties reacted to the formation of the American Party, also known as the Know-Nothings? Cite evidence from the text.
  • The 1850s was a turbulent time in American history with many conflicts arising around the issue of slavery. What was the Know-Nothing solution to the conflict surrounding slavery? Critique their solution using two or three sentences.
  • The Know-Nothings were an anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant party. How would you reconcile those prejudices with their stance on slavery?

Citation Information

"An Old-Line Whig's Opinion of the Know Nothing Platform," The Western Democrat, pp. 1, 13 July 1855. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress