What factors contributed to the Red Scare of the 1920s?
The labor strikes during the 20s, especially the Boston Police Strike of 1919, frightened Americans. It was feared that the strikes were being controlled by communist or socialist agitators or anarchists. There was also fear of immigrants during this time period. The Russian Revolution, the violence associated with it, and the take over of Russia by the Communists also added to the fear in American society. Many Americans believed that most immigrants were anarchists, communists, or worse, attempting to bring down the government and values that were the United States. The result of the Red Scare was the Palmer Raids ordered by Wilson’s Attorney-General, A. Mitchel Palmer. He ordered the round up of immigrants and known anarchists and suspected communists and socialists and had them deported. Many were innocent immigrants caught up in the fear.
