The fact that Millard Fillmore, as the "Know-Nothing" candidate in the 1856 election, received 21 percent of the popular vote indicates several key points:
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Significant Support for Nativism: The "Know-Nothing" Party was primarily rooted in nativist sentiments, which involved hostility towards immigrants and a strong emphasis on American nationalism. The fact that Fillmore garnered a substantial portion of the vote suggests that there was a significant segment of the population that resonated with these nativist ideas during that period.
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Fragmentation of the Political Landscape: The 1856 election was marked by the fragmentation of the traditional two-party system. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party were becoming more prominent, while the Know-Nothing Party emerged as a third force. Fillmore's 21 percent indicates that voters were exploring alternatives apart from the main parties, reflecting broader discontent with the existing political structure.
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Potential for Third Parties: The results demonstrate that third parties could draw considerable support in American elections. This election illustrated the potential for parties outside of the two dominant parties to influence political discourse and outcomes, particularly on specific issues like immigration and nativism.
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Response to Changing Demographics: The support for Fillmore also hints at the societal tensions related to immigration during this era, especially as more immigrants arrived in the United States. His candidacy reflects the anxieties and challenges that native-born Americans felt in response to these demographic changes.
In summary, Fillmore's 21 percent of the popular vote underscores the effective mobilization of nativist sentiments, highlights the fragmentation of the party system, indicates the viability of third-party movements, and illustrates the societal responses to changing demographics in mid-19th century America.