History of the USA 1917-29: The Red Scare

How did Economic problems fuel the Red Scare?

By the end of the war, about 4 million people were in the armed forces and about 9 million people worked in war industries. When the war ended, they became unemployed. Even though the USA suffered less than Europe at the end of the war, this was a huge number of people to get back to work. Some employers began to exploit the situation, lowering wages and putting up working hours.

How did Patriotism begin the Red Scare?

During the First World War the government worked hard to build up patriotism. The USA was fighting Germany in Europe. Many people became suspicious of people of German origin in the USA. They were also suspicious of people who didn't whole-heartedly support the war, including groups like the IWW party and the socialist Party.

Who were the main victims of the Red Scare?

Immigrants were the most usual targets, but so were people in workers' unions, or anyone with left-wing ideas. The International Workers of the World Union (IWW) and the Socialist Party came under particular suspicion.

How did violence fuel the Red Scare?

In April 1919 over 30 letter bombs were posted to important people all over the USA, to arrive for 1 May. About half of these exploded. In early June, much larger bombs were set off in eight US cities. These bombings, by anarchist groups, fuelled media hysteria.

Who encouraged the Red Scare?

Newspapers and radio fanned the flames of the Red Scare. It even reached the government.

What was the Red Scare?

The Red Scare was a fear of Communist revolution which gripped America from 1919 to 1920.

What did the Sacco and Vanzetti case represent?

The Sacco and Vanzetti case was part of a much wider anti-immigrant reaction as part of the Red Scare.

What happened to people under accusation during the Red Scare?

Thousands of people were arrested, imprisoned or deported.

Who were the American Legion?

When the war ended a variety of 'patriotic' groups were formed by returning soldiers. The largest of these was the American Legion, set up in May 1919. They urged the government to pass laws against immigrants, communists and the IWW.

How did Worker unrest fuel the Red Scare?

Workers began to go on strike in response to their poor working conditions. The first big strike was in the Seattle shipyards. It began on 21 January 1919. On 6 February there was a general strike involving 60,000 workers. Despite the strike being peaceful, it got a lot of publicity, and people, including the government reacted as if it had been violent. More strikes followed across the country and the press reacted as if they were the start of a Communist uprising.