The Red Scare was a period of intense anti-communist fear and paranoia in American society that occurred in two major waves - first in the 1920s following World War I, and later in the 1950s during the Cold War era. During the First Red Scare (1919-1920), Americans became extremely fearful of communists, socialists, anarchists, and other political radicals. This fear was intensified by real events like the 1919 anarchist bombings and the Russian Revolution, leading to widespread persecution of suspected radicals.
A key event during this period was the Palmer Raids, named after Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer. These raids involved federal agents conducting mass arrests and deportations of suspected radicals, often without proper warrants or due process. The raids primarily targeted immigrant communities and labor organizations, resulting in thousands of arrests and hundreds of deportations. The controversial case of Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian anarchists who were convicted of murder in a highly disputed trial and eventually executed, exemplified the anti-immigrant sentiment and political persecution of the era. The lasting impact of the First Red Scare included increased restrictions on immigration, the suppression of labor movements, and a general atmosphere of suspicion toward foreign-born Americans and political dissidents.
The Second Red Scare (1947-1957), also known as McCarthyism, was characterized by intense anti-communist investigations and hearings led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. This period saw the rise of loyalty oaths, blacklisting in the entertainment industry, and widespread fear of communist infiltration in American institutions. The impact of both Red Scares continues to influence American society, serving as cautionary tales about the dangers of political hysteria and the importance of protecting civil liberties. These events shaped America 1920-73 opportunity and inequality by highlighting the tension between national security concerns and individual rights, particularly affecting immigrant communities and those with alternative political viewpoints.
