The fact that Millard Fillmore, the Know-Nothing candidate, received 21 percent of the popular vote in the election of 1856 suggests several conclusions about the political landscape and public sentiment at that time:
-
Rise of Nativism: Fillmore's candidacy reflected a significant appeal of nativist sentiments in the mid-19th century. The Know-Nothing Party primarily focused on anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic rhetoric, indicating that many voters were concerned about the influence of immigrants on American society and politics.
-
Fragmentation of the Political Landscape: The 1856 election was marked by the fragmentation of traditional party alignments, particularly the decline of the Whig Party and the rise of new parties like the Know-Nothing Party and the Republican Party. This division allowed a third-party candidate like Fillmore to garner a substantial percentage of the vote.
-
Concerns over Slavery: The election occurred during a period of intense debate over slavery, particularly with events like the Kansas-Nebraska Act exacerbating sectional tensions. While the Know-Nothing Party focused on nativism, their ability to attract voters indicates that other political issues, including those related to slavery and national identity, were prominent in the minds of the electorate.
-
Voter Discontent with Mainstream Options: Fillmore's 21 percent suggests that there was significant discontent with the more established parties (Democratic and Republican). Many voters may have felt that their concerns were not being addressed adequately by the major candidates and thus turned to Fillmore as an alternative.
In summary, Millard Fillmore's performance in the 1856 election illustrates a moment of political volatility in the U.S., characterized by rising nativism, a fragmented party system, and significant societal concerns centered around immigration and slavery.