In the 1840s, nativism—the rejection of foreigners and foreign influences—took hold in American society. Many nativist societies were organized to combat what was termed the “alien menace,” which at that time referred mainly to Irish and German immigrants. In 1849, nativist groups combined to form the Supreme Order of the Star-Spangled Banner, a secretive organization. When asked to talk about the Order, members were to reply, “I know nothing about it.” This response earned the Order the nickname of the “Know-Nothings,” and this nickname stuck.