Which best describes nativism in the United States in the 1800s?
a policy favoring native-born Americans over immigrants
an interest in learning about the native cultures of immigrants
a regional policy of maintaining traditional economic systems
a practice in most factories of hiring only native-born Americans

The correct answer is a policy favoring native-born Americans over immigrants

Generically defined as opposition to immigration or presence of certain groups  within a territory. Nativism within the United States was a constant presence  in the formative years of its history. This way of thinking can be perceived in the way  as we know it during the turn of the 19th century to the 20th century. The principles of  Social Darwinism, added to the constant inflows of immigrants that entered numbers  increasing numbers helped to establish the thought that immigration was harmful to  values ​​of American society. Although nativism was a very present feeling in the  first half of the 20th century, it never ceased to exist. And in the 21st century it is possible  perceive the same speeches being used, only with different targets.