The Red Scare and Xenophobia The Roaring 20’s

The Russian Revolution ( )

Before the Russian Revolution Prior to the Revolution, Russia was ruled by Czar Nicholas II (ruled ) During his reign Russia was involved in two wars. Following World War I Russia had experience a massive loss of human life and territory – people were very angry and upset with the Czar

Before the Russian Revolution During World War I food supplies were low, unemployment and inflation were high in Russia Fed up with their circumstances workers, peasants, and soldiers joined together to overthrow the Czar

The Revolution Two Revolutions took place during 1917 During the March Revolution Czar Nicholas II is forced to abdicate the throne – Abdicate = forced to give up one’s throne A provisional government is put in place – Provisional = temporary

Rise of the Bolsheviks With the provisional government in place, the Bolsheviks under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin take over the Russian government in the second revolution known as the October Revolution (1917) Bolsheviks = Communists Vladimir Lenin assumes power and establishes the Soviet Union – Also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)

What is communism? Communism is an economic and political system The primary aim of communism is to establish a classless and stateless society Common ownership of public goods Communism was a political theory developed by Karl Marx in his book, The Communist Manifesto

How is communism not compatible with American ideals of capitalism and democracy?

The First American Red Scare The First American Red Scare ( ) occurred in America following a series of bombings aimed towards politicians and business leaders Following the Russian Revolution there was an ever growing fear of Bolshevism and anarchists in American society

Xenophobia Americans were afraid of a communist uprising People were frightened that immigrants arriving in American (particularly those from Russia) might start a communist revolution This fear towards immigrants becomes known as xenophobia