Question

How did the foreign-born population become a major factor in american political life between 1820 and 1850? Who considered this an "alien menace", and what was their response?

Answer 1

In the United States immigrant communities became a larger political influence in the early 19th century because of their dramatically increasing numbers. There were a large number of Irish and German immigrants coming to the US at this time due to famine in Ireland and political persecution in Germany. In response to the large influx of immigrants and their potential to influence the political system different groups of Americans took on anti-immigrant or "nativist" views, being strongly against the influx of immigrants and feared that these new immigrants would take their jobs. In response the Know-Nothing Party was formed to opposed this increased immigration politically.