The "Red Scare"

Red Scare Cartoon

    During the year of 1917, in the middle of WWI, the Russian Revolution occurred. The Bolshevik Party took over Russia led by Vladimir Lenin. The Bolsheviks were based on democratic centralism but changed to communism. Following a series of anarchist bombings in 1919, Americans became fearful of possible communists, socialists, and anarchists attacks. People started being thrown in jail for expressing their views and many civil liberties were suspended. Americans also started branding actions as unpatriotic. Americans considered objectors to WWI unpatriotic as well as workers on strike. Multiple strikes soon occurred. Two major strikes were the Seattle shipyard strike and the Boston police force strike. Americans labeled strikers "Reds" and feared a communist take over of the country. However, as quickly as the Red Scare began, it was over by the summer of 1920. Americans then focused their attention on enjoying life.

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Thinking Like a Historian: Cause and Effect  

    Food shortages and harsh living conditions led to the Russian Revolution of 1917. Communists then took over Russia. Americans then became fearful of radical, communist, and anarchist threats. The Russian Revolution was meant to overthrow the Russian monarchy and give power to the people but indirectly threatened Americans with the rise of communism. However, fears soon passed and things returned to normal.