First Red Scare

The first Red Scare was a period of intense social and political fear in the United States. It occurred during the early 20th century, specifically peaking between 1919 and 1920. The term "Red" refers to the far-left political movements of the time, such as Bolshevism and communism. These movements sought to fundamentally change how governments and economies functioned.

This era was defined by a deep anxiety that radical ideologies would destroy the American social order. This fear was fueled by both real incidents of violence and imagined threats of revolution.

Several global and domestic factors created this atmosphere of suspicion. The 1917 October Revolution in Russia changed the political landscape of the world. Following this, the German Revolution of 1918–1919 also caused concern among American leaders. Domestically, a growing nativist movement viewed immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe as threats to stability.

Many Americans believed that these new arrivals might bring radical ideas that could destabilize the country. This combination of international upheaval and domestic tension created a sense of constant crisis.

Labor unrest provided specific examples that many people interpreted as signs of revolution. In January 1919, 35,000 shipyard workers in Seattle went on strike for higher wages. By February, more than 100 local unions joined, creating a general strike of 60,000 people.

This strike paralyzed the city by stopping streetcars, schools, and commerce. While a strike committee provided essential services like milk delivery, the national press called the event "Marxian." They suggested it was a revolutionary movement aimed at the existing government. Mayor Ole Hanson even promised to use 1,500 police and 1,500 federal troops to stop any disturbances.

Violence from anarchist groups further escalated the national panic. In late April 1919, a series of mail bombs were sent to prominent leaders.

Approximately 36 booby-trap bombs targeted politicians, judges, and businessmen, including John D. Rockefeller. One bomb even damaged the home of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer. These attacks were linked to the Galleanists, a group of radical anarchists following Luigi Galleani. They advocated for "direct action," which included the use of bombings and assassinations against government representatives and capitalists.

In response to these perceived threats, the U.S. government passed several restrictive laws. The Espionage Act of 1917 was passed to prevent interference with military operations. This was followed by the Sedition Act of 1918, which made it a crime to use "disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language" about the U.S. government, flag, or armed forces.

Additionally, the Immigration Act of 1918 specifically targeted anarchists. These laws allowed the government to suppress freedom of expression and target specific political groups.

The U.S. Senate also took an active role in investigating these radical movements. The Overman Committee, chaired by Senator Lee Slater Overman, was tasked with studying efforts to propagate Russian political principles in the U.S.

During hearings in early 1919, witnesses described the Russian Revolution as a terrifying event involving the seizure of banks and the abolition of insurance. The committee's reports helped create an image of Bolshevism as an imminent threat. This led to sensationalist newspaper headlines like "Red Peril Here" and "Plan Bloody Revolution." Even unrelated events, such as interracial violence during the Red Summer of 1919, were explained away as part of this communist threat.

The height of the fear led to the controversial Palmer Raids. Under the direction of Attorney General Palmer, authorities conducted searches and arrests to find radical organizations. These raids often involved illegal searches, seizures, and unwarranted detentions.

Hundreds of suspected radicals and anarchists were deported from the country. The tension reached a peak in April 1920, when J. Edgar Hoover warned of a violent uprising on May Day. However, May Day passed without any such event occurring. Eventually, public opinion and the courts turned against the raids, bringing the first Red Scare to an end.

The Red Scare is a significant chapter in American history because it demonstrates how fear can influence law and civil liberties. It shows how the government may respond to perceived external and internal threats by limiting the rights of its citizens. The period highlights the connection between international political shifts and domestic policy. It also illustrates how media coverage can amplify public anxiety during times of social change. Understanding this era helps explain the complex relationship between national security and individual freedoms in the United States.