What was the Order of the Star Spangled Banner?

Answer 1

The Supreme Order of the Star-Spangled Banner was an organization formed by many nativist groups in the spring of 1850. This Order endorsed a list of demands including banning of Catholics or the foreign-born from holding public office, more restrictive naturalization laws, and literacy tests for voting. At that time, more than half of the populations of New York and Chicago were immigrants. Many believed that the many Irish Catholic immigrants were being controlled by the Pope in Rome. The Order adopted a strict code of secrecy, which included a secret password, that was used in lodges across the country, "I know nothing." Ultimately members of the movement became known as the "Know-Nothings." Gradually, the Know-Nothings turned their attention to party politics, and after the election of 1852, they created a new political organization that they called the American Party.

Answer 2

The Order of the Star Spangled Banner was a secret organization that was formed in New York City in 1849. Among its policies were the following:
A. Promoting nativist candidates for elective office;
B. Lengthening the period for naturalization from five to twenty one years;
C. Limiting the political rights of foreigners unless their children were educated in American schools;
D. Promoting a transcontinental railroad; and
E. Having the Federal government provide a homestead act to help people to move West and better their lives.

The last two policies seemed to be harmless, ( Native Tribes would differ ) however, the bitter pill was that the group hated Catholicism and Irish Catholics.Additionally, it was nonpartisan. Hate groups cross party lines.