One thing is sure, my knowledge of US History has expanded substantially. In an age where media outlets try to convince their viewers that we are in “uncharted territory”, the themes of the Republican right seem to echo their forefathers, the American Party (know nothings) of the 1850’s.
I think you are right to mention the American Party. While not the primary antecedent of the Republican party, its membership did tend to be a constituent of the new party. As I understand it, its focus tended to be anti-Catholic and hence anti "the wrong kind" of immigrants. And the rejection of Catholics may have had a lot to do with the association of the establish Churches of Europe to their aristocratic partners, i.e. a part of the whole system of hierarchy and privilege to which the early 19th century Americans were fiercely opposed. It also indicates the rather narrow range of religious diversity tolerated by many. Clearly, however we place the American Party in the resultant realignment of forces in the 1850s, popular hostility to the outsider has been a potent political weapon for most of our history. Good to hear from you Tim.
One thing is sure, my knowledge of US History has expanded substantially. In an age where media outlets try to convince their viewers that we are in “uncharted territory”, the themes of the Republican right seem to echo their forefathers, the American Party (know nothings) of the 1850’s.
I think you are right to mention the American Party. While not the primary antecedent of the Republican party, its membership did tend to be a constituent of the new party. As I understand it, its focus tended to be anti-Catholic and hence anti "the wrong kind" of immigrants. And the rejection of Catholics may have had a lot to do with the association of the establish Churches of Europe to their aristocratic partners, i.e. a part of the whole system of hierarchy and privilege to which the early 19th century Americans were fiercely opposed. It also indicates the rather narrow range of religious diversity tolerated by many. Clearly, however we place the American Party in the resultant realignment of forces in the 1850s, popular hostility to the outsider has been a potent political weapon for most of our history. Good to hear from you Tim.
Enjoyed this perspective.