Nativist Collection

CARTOON: IMMIGRATION, 1921. The Only Way to Handle It. Contemporary cartoon on the effectiveness of the temporary Immigration Act of 1921 in reducing the flood of immigrants to the United States to a

IMMIGRATION CARTOON, 1921. The Only Way to Handle It. Contemporary cartoon on the effectiveness of the temporary Immigration Act of 1921 in reducing the flood of immigrants to the United States to a

ANTI-IMMIGRATION CARTOON. Spoiling the Broth. American cartoon, 1921, critical of the arrival of so many immigrants that a great number failed to become assimilated into the national melting pot

Spoiling the Broth. American cartoon, 1921, critical of the arrival of so many immigrants that a great number failed to
ANTI-IMMIGRATION CARTOON. Spoiling the Broth. American cartoon, 1921, critical of the arrival of so many immigrants that a great number failed to become assimilated into the national melting pot

KNOW-NOTHING CARTOON. American cartoon, c1850, supporting the Know-Nothing charge that Irish and German immigrants were stealing American elections and running the big city political machines

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, c1844. A Native American ( Know Nothing ) demonstration in New York during the presidential campaign of 1844. Engraving, c1844

NATIVISM: FRATERNAL ORDER. Birthplace of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, a nativist fraternal organization, at Concord School House, Massachusetts, in 1853. Lithograph, 1895

PHILADELPHIA NATIVIST RIOT. An anti-Catholic Native American mob, wearing tall beaver hats, battling the state militia in a riot in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1844. Contemporary lithograph

UNITED MECHANICS, 1870. Lithograph poster for the American Order of United Mechanics, 1870

NATIVIST CERTIFICATE, c1845. Membership certificate for the Native American Republican Association of Philadelphia, a nativist organization. Engraving, c1845

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, 1844. A Native American (Know-Nothing) demonstration in New York during the presidential campaign of 1844: contemporary wood engraving

ANTI-CATHOLIC MOB, 1844. An anti-Catholic Native American mob, wearing tall beaver hats, battling the state militia in Philadelphia in 1844. Contemporary lithograph

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, 1844. Whig party procession through New York, celebrating electoral victories there and at Boston, Massachusetts which were the highwater mark of the nativist Know-Nothing

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, 1856. American cartoon by Nathaniel Currier showing the nag-drawn carriage of Republican candidate John C

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, 1856. Campaign emblem against the American (Know-Nothing) Party, used in the 1856 presidential race

CARTOON: TEMPERANCE, 1884. Foster and the Army of Cranks. Cartoon characterizing the temperance movement as bigoted, hypocritical, and anti-immigrant. Line engraving, American, c1884

Great Native Procession
Great Native (= Nativist) Procession in New York, proclaiming support of truly American ideals, attacking foreigners especially Catholics and foreigners

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"Nativist Movements in American History: A Look at Immigration and Assimilation" Throughout American history, the issue of immigration has often been a contentious topic. Various cartoons and historical events shed light on the nativist sentiments that emerged during different periods. One such cartoon from 1921 titled "Spoiling the Broth" depicts concerns about immigrants failing to assimilate into the national melting pot. In another cartoon from 1850, known as the "Know-Nothing Cartoon, " Irish and German immigrants are accused of stealing American elections and controlling big city political machines. This highlights how nativism was not limited to fears of cultural assimilation but also encompassed political anxieties. The presidential campaign of 1844 witnessed Native Americans (Know-Nothings) demonstrating their opposition to immigration. These demonstrations were captured in wood engravings, showcasing the fervor with which some Americans opposed newcomers. Nativism was not solely confined to public sentiment; it also found expression through organizations like the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, founded as a fraternal order promoting native-born citizens' interests. Membership certificates for groups like the Native American Republican further illustrate this trend. However, these nativist movements sometimes took an ugly turn, as seen in Philadelphia's Nativist Riot of 1844. An anti-Catholic mob wearing tall beaver hats clashed with state militia over religious differences—an unfortunate example of violence fueled by prejudice. Amidst all these events, one cannot overlook how immigration has shaped America's diverse fabric positively. While nativist sentiments have existed throughout history, they do not define our nation entirely. The struggles faced by immigrant communities have led to resilience and contributions that enrich our society today. Understanding these historical moments helps us reflect on past mistakes while striving for a more inclusive future where diversity is celebrated rather than feared or rejected. As we navigate contemporary debates surrounding immigration policies, let us remember that empathy and understanding can bridge divides and foster a stronger, united nation.