First of all, nativism differs from racism in its political orientation, while the latter is a combination of social, historical, and even biological factors. Nativism focuses on supporting the native inhabitants of a particular nation, thereby promoting anti-immigration policies. The primary root motive for facilitating such a trend is the desire to shield the indigenous nation’s inhabitants from other ethnic or cultural groups. Due to too many cultural differences, immigrants allegedly will not safely assimilate and adapt to society without harming the people already living there.
Nativism is a significant factor in the United States’ history, appearing even in the early stages of the Republic’s formation in the early 19th century. Many famous political figures and even political parties at certain stages of their careers showed traits of nativism. For example, Benjamin Franklin was aggressive towards visiting Germans in Pennsylvania, and Alexander Hamilton was actively promoting the Alien and Sedition Acts. Ultimately, 19th-century nativism was characterized by anti-German and anti-Chinese movements, which occasionally even led to bloody clashes.
In the 20th century, with the help of particular laws, immigration was artificially limited by an entry quota. The reason for this was the fear of an influx of low-skilled workers from Central America and Eastern Europe. Despite this, there was no active growth in this movement until the end of the 20th century. However, in the 70s, the movement was renewed, mainly against immigrants from Mexico. Part of the reason for this was the influx of illegal immigrants; however, the promotion of nativist ideas by the current President Donald Trump played an additional role in developing the area. Thus, nativism of the 19th century and modernity is distinguished, first of all, by the orientation towards groups of immigrants, as well as by cruelty and bloodthirstiness