Bell Ringers

Bell Ringer: The Know Nothing Party

Know Nothing Party

Author Terry Golway talks about the Know Nothing Party and Tammany Hall. ** This clip is part of C-SPAN Classroom's FREE resources for teachers and students. Visit www.c-spanclassroom.org for more info. **

Description

Terry Golway talks about the Know Nothing Party and Tammany Hall.

Bell Ringer Assignment

  • Explain the effect the Irish Famine had on Ireland’s citizens and exiles to the U.S.
  • Describe the reaction of many Americans to these exiles during this time.
  • Explain the development of the Know Nothing Party and its impact on elections in 1854.
  • Explain Congressman Thomas Whitney’s remarks on Catholic immigrants during his speech on the floor of the House of Representatives.
  • What was Congressman John Kelly’s response to Whitney’s remarks?
  • On which issues were parts of the north divided?
  • What was Tammany Hall’s position on immigrants?
  • According to Terry Golway, who did the Know Nothings believe should gain citizenship?

Participants

    Vocabulary

    • Activist
    • Anglo-saxon Protestant
    • Bill Tweed
    • Campaign Rhetoric
    • Democrats
    • Exiles
    • Five Points In Nyc
    • Irish Famine
    • Know Nothing Party
    • Leonora O

    Topics

    Campaigns & ElectionsPolitical PartiesU.S. History

    Grades

    Middle SchoolHigh School