1. US History Mrs. Housenick 12/6/11
The Red Scare
US History
Mrs. Housenick
12/6/11

2. Radicals and Bombs Two radical groups
Communists—wanted worldwide workers revolution
Anarchists—wanted no government
Most peaceful, some turned to violence
In early 20s, anarchists planted bombs at homes of political officials and industrialists
Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer had his house bombed
Determined to destroy radical groups

3. The Red Scare
Government coordinated attacks on radicals and foreigners
A. Mitchell Palmer got law enforcement to deport or arrest “Reds” or communists.
Palmer Raids—ordered police to raid headquarters of radical groups, often without warrants
Many innocent people arrested and deported

4. The Red Scare ctnd. Increased anti-immigration sentiment
Connected immigrants with radicals
1924 National Origins Act—set quotas on number of immigrants coming to US, especially limited immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe
Some citizens protested government methods during Red Scare
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) formed to try to protect people’s constitutional freedoms during this time

5. The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
Robbery at factory where paymaster and guard killed
Police arrested two Italian immigrants, Sacco and Vanzetti who were known anarchists
Prosecution lacked concrete evidence but jury convicted both after only 6 hours of deliberation
Many believe Sacco and Vanzetti were victims of Red Scare and xenophobia.