what specific events of actions escalated public fear during the first red scare

Answer 1

The First Red Scare in the United States, which occurred roughly from 1917 to 1920, was marked by widespread fear of communism, anarchism, and radical leftist philosophies following the Russian Revolution and World War I. Several specific events and actions contributed to public fear during this period:

1. Russian Revolution (1917): The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia led to the establishment of a communist government and sparked fears that similar revolutions could occur in the U.S. The prospect of a global spread of communism alarmed many Americans.

2. Labor Strikes and Unrest: A series of labor strikes, including the 1919 Seattle General Strike and the Boston Police Strike, heightened fears of a socialist uprising. Many viewed these strikes as being influenced by radical ideologies.

3. Anarchist Bombings (1919): A series of bombings by anarchists, including the mail bomb campaign targeting officials such as Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, further escalated fears. The most notable of these attacks involved a package bomb that exploded at Palmer's home.

4. The Palmer Raids (1919-1920): Following the bombings, Attorney General Palmer initiated a series of raids targeting alleged radicals, known as the Palmer Raids. Thousands of individuals were arrested, many without warrants, and others were deported, contributing to a climate of fear and suspicion.

5. The Sacco and Vanzetti Case: The trial of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, accused of robbery and murder, became a symbol of the fear and suspicion surrounding immigrants and political radicals. Their eventual execution in 1927 sparked protests and reinforced the perception of political oppression.

6. Public Hysteria and Anti-Radical Propaganda: Various groups and government entities spread propaganda that demonized leftist ideologies. Media sensationalism and the portrayal of radicals as dangerous 'others' fueled paranoia and public hysteria.

7. Formation of the American Legion (1919): Established as a veterans' organization, the American Legion became a prominent advocate for American patriotism and anti-radicalism, fostering anti-communist sentiment across the country.

8. Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act of 1918: These legal measures criminalized anti-war sentiment and dissent against the government. They were used to suppress leftist movements, contributing to a culture of fear regarding free speech and political dissent.

These events, among others, created a fertile ground for suspicion of and hostility toward anyone perceived as a radical, and they collectively fueled the First Red Scare in America.