Fear among many Americans after World War I of Communists in particular and immigrants in general. A reaction to the Russian Revolution, strikes, and riots.
Red Scare (1919-1920)
After World War I, many Americans developed a fear of Communists and immigrants due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons for this fear was the Russian Revolution, which had established the world’s first Communist state in Russia in 1917. This event alarmed many Americans, who saw Communism as a threat to traditional American values and freedoms.
In addition to the Russian Revolution, there were also a series of strikes and riots that occurred in the United States during this time period. Many of these actions were led by labor unions and socialist or Communist organizations, which further heightened fears of a Communist revolution in America.
Another factor contributing to the fear of immigrants was the large influx of immigrants that occurred in the early 20th century. Many of these immigrants were from countries that were seen as being more prone to socialist or Communist ideas, such as Russia, Italy, and Germany. This led to a perception among some Americans that these groups posed a danger to the stability and security of the United States.
Overall, the fear of Communists and immigrants in the aftermath of World War I was driven by a combination of factors, including political events, economic concerns, and cultural differences. This fear would continue to shape American politics and society for decades to come, influencing policies on immigration, civil liberties, and national security.
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