<P> The Know Nothings believed a `` Romanist '' conspiracy was afoot to subvert civil and religious liberty in the United States and sought to politically organize native - born Protestants in the defense of traditional religious and political values . It is remembered for this theme because of fears by Protestants that Catholic priests and bishops would control a large bloc of voters . In most places , Know Nothingism lasted only a year or two before disintegrating because of weak local leaders , few publicly declared national leaders and a deep split over the issue of slavery . In the South , the party did not emphasize anti-Catholicism , but was the main alternative to the dominant Democratic Party . </P>
<P> The Know Nothings believed a `` Romanist '' conspiracy was afoot to subvert civil and religious liberty in the United States and sought to politically organize native - born Protestants in the defense of traditional religious and political values . It is remembered for this theme because of fears by Protestants that Catholic priests and bishops would control a large bloc of voters . In most places , Know Nothingism lasted only a year or two before disintegrating because of weak local leaders , few publicly declared national leaders and a deep split over the issue of slavery . In the South , the party did not emphasize anti-Catholicism , but was the main alternative to the dominant Democratic Party . </P>
who did the know nothing party appeal to
who did the know nothing party appeal to
native - born Protestants
native - born Protestants