American Protective Association

Definition

The American Protective Association (APA) was a nativist organization founded in 1887 that aimed to promote anti-Catholic sentiment and limit immigration, particularly from countries with large Catholic populations. The APA believed that immigrants, especially Catholics, posed a threat to American values and institutions, which led them to advocate for policies that would restrict immigration and promote the interests of native-born Americans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The APA was particularly active in the Midwest and gained significant influence in local and state politics during the late 19th century.
2. The organization played a major role in promoting conspiracy theories about Catholic influence in American society, alleging that Catholics were loyal to the Pope over the United States.
3. At its peak, the APA claimed over a million members and sought to elect candidates who supported its nativist agenda.
4. The rise of the APA coincided with increasing waves of immigration from southern and eastern Europe, which fueled fears among some native-born Americans.
5. The influence of the APA declined by the early 1900s as other political movements emerged and anti-Catholic sentiment became less mainstream.

Review Questions

• How did the American Protective Association reflect the broader nativist sentiments in American society during its time?
  • The American Protective Association was a clear manifestation of the growing nativist sentiments in late 19th-century America. It targeted immigrants, especially Catholics, who were perceived as a threat to the cultural integrity of the nation. The APA's policies and activities resonated with many native-born Americans who were apprehensive about the rapid changes brought by immigration, thus making it a prominent player in shaping public discourse around immigration at that time.
• Discuss how the actions and beliefs of the American Protective Association contributed to changes in immigration policies in the early 20th century.
  • The American Protective Association's efforts to restrict immigration were part of a larger wave of nativist sentiment that influenced U.S. immigration policy. Their advocacy for limiting Catholic immigration and promoting an Anglo-Saxon identity contributed to the passage of restrictive laws like the Immigration Act of 1924. This act established quotas based on national origins, significantly curbing immigration from southern and eastern Europe, which aligned with APA's goals and reflected their impact on legislative change.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the American Protective Association on American social and political landscapes concerning immigration and religious identity.
  • The long-term effects of the American Protective Association are evident in the ongoing debates surrounding immigration and religious identity in America. The organization's promotion of nativism and anti-Catholicism helped lay the groundwork for future movements advocating for strict immigration control. Furthermore, it influenced public perceptions about immigrants as threats to societal values, which can still be seen today. By fostering an environment of suspicion towards certain religious and ethnic groups, the APA contributed to a legacy of divisive rhetoric that continues to shape American politics and social discourse.

Related terms

Nativism: A political policy that favors the interests of native-born inhabitants over those of immigrants, often leading to discriminatory practices against foreign-born individuals.

Immigration Act of 1924: A significant piece of legislation that established strict quotas on immigration based on national origins, reflecting the nativist attitudes prevalent in American society during that time.

Know-Nothing Party: A political party active in the mid-19th century that emerged from nativist sentiments, advocating for restrictions on immigration and promoting anti-Catholic views.