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AMERICAN PARTY [Know-Nothings]
Founded in
New York in 1849, the American Party or Know Nothings
began as a secret patriotic society called The Order Of The
Star Spangled Banner.
Members were instructed
to keep all aspects of the Order secret, and when asked of its
purpose or particulars, they replied "I know nothing."
Hence the name Know Nothing Party.
Their popularity and
numbers grew so fast that by 1854 they were able to call a national
convention and nominate a candidate for the president in 1856.
The party platform became equally divided over the slavery issue,
however, and their candidate, former President Millard Fillmore,
carried only one state, Maryland. The party folded shortly thereafter.
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