What was a primary characteristic of the Know Nothing Party during the 1850s?

The Know Nothing Party, active in the 1850s, was primarily characterized by its strong anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant stance. This party emerged in response to the massive influx of Irish and German immigrants during this period, who were predominantly Catholic. Many native-born Americans felt threatened by the increasing numbers of these immigrants and their differing cultural and religious backgrounds.

The party's members, known as "Know Nothings," focused on promoting nativism, which was the belief that favored American-born citizens over immigrants. They sought to limit immigration and were particularly hostile towards the Catholic Church, fearing that it would undermine American democratic values and institutions. In 1856, the party even declared that “America should be for Americans,” making their platform clear in a time marked by social and economic anxieties.

While other political groups were advocating for issues such as abolition or workers' rights, the Know Nothing Party's primary focus was on restricting immigration and asserting the superiority of native-born Protestants. This anti-immigrant sentiment resonated with many Americans who were facing economic difficulties and social changes during the period, making their platform a significant aspect of the political landscape of the 1850s.