Know-Nothing Party

Definition

The Know-Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, was a prominent United States political party during the late 1840s and the early 1850s. The party was anti-Catholic, xenophobic, and hostile to immigration, starting originally as a secret society.

Related terms

Nativism: This is a political policy favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants. It's like preferring homegrown fruits over imported ones because you believe they're inherently better.

Xenophobia: This is an irrational fear or hatred of people from other countries. Imagine if someone disliked all foreign films without even watching them just because they're not made in their country.

Anti-Catholicism: This refers to hostility towards Catholics or opposition to the Catholic Church, its clergy and adherents. It's like disliking all chocolate ice cream simply because it's chocolate without considering individual flavors or brands.