Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner

Definition

The Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner was a secret society founded in 1850. It was anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant, reflecting nativist fears and prejudices of the time.

Analogy

Think of this group as an exclusive club with strict membership rules - only those who fit their specific criteria (in this case, native-born Protestants) were allowed to join.

Related terms

Know-Nothing Party: A political party that grew out of the Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner. It was known for its anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic stance.

Xenophobia: An irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries. This sentiment often leads to exclusionary practices like those seen in groups such as the Supreme Order.

American Protective Association (APA): A late 19th-century organization similar to the Supreme Order, which sought to limit or end Catholic influence in America.