How did the know nothings impact America?

Answer 1

The Know-Nothing Party, active in the mid-19th century, significantly impacted American politics by promoting nativism and anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly against Irish Catholics and German immigrants. Their rise reflected widespread fears about Immigration, leading to increased xenophobia and influencing local and national elections. While their influence waned by the late 1850s, the party's rhetoric and policies laid the groundwork for future nativist movements in the U.S. and highlighted ongoing tensions over immigration and national identity.