The Rejection of Irish-American Identity by the 19th Century Know Nothings

In the 19th Century, How did the Know Nothings View the Irish and their Identity?

h2What is the Know Nothing Movement?

The term "Know Nothing" refers to a political movement active in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s. The name 'Know Nothing' was adopted by the movement due to its members' secrecy and their response to questions, which was to say, "I know nothing." This clandestine political organization was known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment.

Background of Anti-Irish Sentiment

The Irish, predominantly Catholic immigrants, faced significant challenges upon their arrival. They were met with hostility from native-born Americans, often referred to as nativists. Many people in the 19th century, including members of the Know Nothing movement, viewed these immigrants as a threat to American values and society.

Irish Immigrants in the 19th Century

During the mid-19th century, a wave of Irish immigrants arrived in the United States seeking refuge from famine and political persecution in their homeland. They faced discrimination due to their religion and the fact that their leaders resided in foreign lands such as Rome—the seat of the Papacy. This situation was often seen as undermining the supposed religiopolitical sovereignty of the United States.

Antagonism from the Know Nothings

The Know Nothings particularly objected to the Irish on several grounds. Firstly, they saw the Irish as being tied to a foreign church headquartered in Europe, which was perceived as a threat to American Protestantism and democracy. Secondly, the large influx of foreigners was seen as a burden on American society, leading to concerns about economic and social stability.

Kennedy and Anti-Catholic Stereotypes

In the 20th century, these anti-Catholic stereotypes and associated biases remained pervasive. For instance, during President John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign, his Catholicism became a significant issue for many Americans. The fact that the Pope was headquartered in Rome, rather than in the United States, continued to be a stumbling block for some Americans in accepting Kennedy as a viable presidential candidate.

Conclusion

Understanding the historical context of the Know Nothing movement helps illuminate the challenges faced by Irish immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The debate over Irish-American identity and the status of foreign-born Catholics in the United States continued to evolve, reflecting broader issues of pluralism and religious freedom in American society.

Related Keywords: Know Nothing, Irish-American identity, anti-Catholic sentiment

References:

Wikipedia - Know Nothing Movement