The Red Scare of 1919

Do you remember… What is communism? What is socialism? Why does the US have a long history of opposition to these ideas?

Communism Communism is a theory. One day the people/workers will own all the ways of making money – all the land, machines, all the stores. There are no private businesses, and no way for one person to become rich.

Socialism In a Socialist system, the government would own major businesses and public services. These would be operated for the benefit of the people, not profit. Socialism would also heavily tax the rich so that there isn’t a huge difference between rich and poor.

Anarchism The central idea behind anarchism is that hierarchical authority – be it government, church or economic – is not only unnecessary, but by its nature harmful to the maximization of human potential. Anarchists generally believe that human beings are capable of managing their own affairs on the basis of creativity, cooperation, and mutual respect. ANARCHISTS WANT NO FORMAL GOVERNMENT

U.S. opposition to communism & socialism…why? In the United States, there’s been a long history of fear of communism and suppression of socialist ideas because these ideas threaten the individual’s right to private property and wealth. Unlike other parts of the world, in the US there was economic opportunity.

Why was socialism popular in the US in the early 1900s? Industrialization created a huge gap between the rich and poor. Labor unions that organized unskilled workers were often socialist. The success of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 inspired some Americans. (This also scared the hell out of many Americans.)

Communists pledge to spread their revolution! Russian Communists pledge to spread their revolution to Europe and America. With a long history of nativism (anti-immigrants), many Americans thought European immigrants might be “revolutionaries.”

Lingering Tension from WWI During the war: The govt controlled information and encouraged loyalty and patriotism. The Espionage & Sedition Acts heighten tension. The Supreme Court limits free speech in Schenck v US. Because of wartime demand and national security, Labor Unions had agreed not to strike. *Union membership & influence had increased.

End of the War = Labor Unrest War ends sooner than anticipated. No transition plan ready. Govt cancels contracts. Army discharges millions of soldiers, returning vets flooded labor market. Many wartime jobs were eliminated. Wartime price controls ended = inflation. Wages for remaining workers were slashed. Many businesses used transition to eliminate unions. Crime was on the rise.

Growing Labor Unrest > Red Scare Populist / Progressive ideology (1880s – 1917) + Russian Revolution (1917) + Communist International in 1919 to export Communism + the founding of the American Communist Party (1919) + post-war inflation & economic recession/unemployment + nationwide strikes in 1919 (3,600 strikes of 4 million workers) + Growing violence and bombing incidents = Growing conviction among Americans that unions were no different from socialists & communists, all are RADICAL.

Radicalization of Labor > Red Scare

A. Mitchell Palmer – Red Hunter Some politicians used public anxiety for political gain. Attorney General Palmer had presidential ambitions in 1920. Palmer given “green light” from Congress to go after radical groups. “Palmer Raids” A bomb, blamed on radicals, was detonated outside his home and on Wall Street, where 38 were killed. (36 bombs in all!) Palmer authorized raids by the newly formed General Intelligence Division, led by J. Edgar Hoover. Thousands of suspected radicals were arrested. 500 radical aliens were deported. A. Mitchell Palmer J. Edgar Hoover

*Was the verdict based on evidence or politics? Sacco & Vanzetti - 1920 Sacco & Vanzetti are Italian immigrants accused of armed robbery and murder in Boston. Both are anarchists, labor union agitators, and protested against the war. Trail proceedings are anything but fair and impartial. Both are convicted and sent to the electric chair. *Was the verdict based on evidence or politics?

Congress Restricts Immigration Immigration Act of 1924 Limited the annual number of immigrants to a quota from select countries. Severely restricted immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Africa. Banned all Arabs and Asians.

Restricting Immigration