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Nativists

Definition

Nativists were individuals or groups in the United States who favored the interests of native-born people over those of immigrants. They often expressed anti-immigrant sentiments and supported policies that restricted immigration.

Analogy

Think of nativists as a group of kids in a playground who don't want to share their toys with new kids. They believe they have more rights to the playground because they've been there longer.

Related terms

Nativism: This is an ideology favoring native-born citizens over immigrants, often associated with xenophobia and nationalism.

Know-Nothing Party: A political party active during the mid-19th century known for its strong opposition to immigrants and Catholics.

Immigration Act of 1924: A federal law that limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States through a national origins quota.

"Nativists" appears in:

Practice Questions (5)

  • Who were Nativists?
  • What was one argument made by Nativists?
  • What reasoning did nativists depend on to justify limiting immigrants?
  • Who were the Nativists during the Gilded Age?
  • What was a common argument made by nativists against immigrants during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.