First Red Scare

Definition

The First Red Scare refers to the widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies that swept across the United States from 1917 to 1920, triggered by the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and the rise of labor strikes domestically. This period was marked by a government crackdown on perceived radicals, leading to mass arrests, deportations, and the establishment of a culture of suspicion against immigrants and labor activists. The First Red Scare significantly influenced American politics and society during the early 20th century, as it intertwined with the national discourse on civil liberties and national security.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Red Scare began in response to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which raised fears about the spread of communism in the United States.
2. In 1919, a series of anarchist bombings intensified public fear, prompting government crackdowns on suspected radicals and leftists.
3. The Palmer Raids, occurring between 1919 and 1920, resulted in thousands of arrests and deportations without proper legal procedures.
4. Civil liberties were significantly curtailed during this period, with many individuals being denied their constitutional rights under the guise of protecting national security.
5. The First Red Scare ultimately led to a backlash against radical movements and set the stage for future debates about civil rights versus national security.

Review Questions

• How did the events of the Bolshevik Revolution influence public perception in America during the First Red Scare?
  • The Bolshevik Revolution served as a catalyst for fear in America as it demonstrated that a successful communist uprising could occur. Many Americans began to worry that similar revolutionary sentiments could spread domestically, especially among immigrant communities and labor groups. This fear was compounded by social tensions, leading to heightened scrutiny of leftist ideologies and fostering a culture of suspicion that characterized the First Red Scare.
• Discuss how the Palmer Raids reflect the tension between national security and civil liberties during the First Red Scare.
  • The Palmer Raids exemplify how national security concerns overshadowed civil liberties during the First Red Scare. The government, led by A. Mitchell Palmer, justified aggressive tactics against suspected radicals by arguing it was necessary to protect America from potential communist threats. However, this resulted in widespread violations of constitutional rights, including unlawful arrests and lack of due process for those targeted, raising questions about the balance between maintaining security and upholding individual freedoms.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the First Red Scare on American society and its political landscape in subsequent decades.
  • The First Red Scare had lasting impacts on American society, particularly by embedding a sense of distrust toward leftist ideologies within the political landscape. It contributed to ongoing fears about communism that re-emerged during the Cold War. Additionally, the suppression of civil liberties established a precedent for future government actions against perceived threats, leading to recurring tensions between protecting national security and safeguarding individual rights in American democracy.

Related terms

Palmer Raids:

A series of law enforcement actions led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer aimed at arresting and deporting suspected radicals during the First Red Scare.

Sedition Act of 1918:

A law that made it a crime to speak out against the government or promote resistance to the war effort, used during the First Red Scare to target dissenting voices.

Labor Unrest: A period of heightened labor strikes and disputes in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s, often associated with fears of communism and radicalism.