How politically successful were nativists in the 1850s?

Answer 1

Nativists in the 1850s achieved significant political success, particularly through the formation of the Know Nothing Party, which capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiment and fears surrounding Catholic immigrants, particularly the Irish. The party gained substantial traction in local and state elections, even winning control of several city governments and securing seats in Congress. However, their influence waned by the late 1850s as the rising tensions over slavery overshadowed their nativist agenda, leading to a decline in their political power. Overall, while they made notable gains, their success was ultimately limited and short-lived.