The "Know Nothing" Party (1840-1860), Nativism, and the Creepy Racism in Springfield, Ohio

What a Creep

GWhat a Creep
Season 26, Episode 10
“The Know-Nothing Party," Nativism, and Springfield, Ohio Today”
If you have been keeping up with the news, you may have heard about the city of Springfield, Ohio, where there have been over 33 bomb threats (as of this posting) targeting its Haitian residents. How did this situation come about? Today, we will delve into the origins of the Know Nothing Party, also known as the American Party, a nativist political movement in the United States during the 1840s and 1850s. Understanding the history and policies of this party provides valuable insight into the current immigration debates in the U.S.
Content Warning: Racism, bigotry, and general awfulness

Sources for this episode
Smithsonian
Britannica
Politco
CNN
Newsweek
Springfield News-Sun
New York Times
The Guardian
BBC
Springfield Commission Meeting August 27, 2024
New York Magazine
Washington Post
NBC News
The AtlanticThe Dollop “Know Nothing”

Be sure to follow us on social media. But don’t follow us too closely … don’t be a creep about it!

• Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreepPod @CreepPod
• Facebook: Join the private group!
• Instagram @WhatACreepPodcast
• Visit our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/whatacreep
• Email: [e-mail]
• We’ve got merch here! https://whatacreeppodcast.threadless.com/#
• Our website is www.whatacreeppodcast.com
• Our logo was created by Claudia Gomez-Rodriguez. Follow her on Instagram @ClaudInCloud