University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
HIST 1160 | U.S. History to 1865
Academic year:

2024
Views:

155

Pages:

3
Author:

Harsh P.

Class Lecture Notes: The Red Scare Professor: Dr. Trevor Locket Course: 20th Century American History Date: September 17, 2023 I. Introduction to the Red Scare A. Definition The Red Scare refers to two distinct periods of anti-communist hysteria in the United States during the 20th century. The First Red Scare occurred shortly after World War I, from 1919 to 1920, while the Second Red Scare happened during the Cold War era, from the late 1940s to the 1950s. B. Context Both Red Scares were driven by a fear of communism and the belief that communist ideologies posed a threat to American society, democracy, and capitalism. The context of each Red Scare was influenced by different historical events and international tensions. II. The First Red Scare (1919-1920) A. Causes After World War I, there was a climate of political unrest and social change in the U.S. The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of the Bolsheviks in Russia heightened fears of communist infiltration. B. Key Events The Palmer Raids: Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer led a series of raids to arrest and deport suspected radicals, resulting in thousands of arrests and deportations. Sacco and Vanzetti Trial: The trial and execution of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti on charges of robbery and murder, which many saw as a result of anti-immigrant and anti-radical sentiments. C. Legacy The First Red Scare resulted in the suppression of left-wing political activism and the curbing of civil liberties. It had a lasting impact on immigration policies, contributing to the 1924 Immigration Act, which restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. III. The Second Red Scare (Late 1940s-1950s) A. Causes The Second Red Scare emerged from the tensions of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Fear of communist espionage and subversion grew with the development of nuclear weapons and the spread of communism in Eastern Europe and Asia. B. Key Events HUAC Hearings: The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) conducted investigations into alleged communist influence in Hollywood and other industries. The Rosenberg Trial: The trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg on charges of espionage for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviets. McCarthyism: Senator Joseph McCarthy's sensational anti-communist witch hunts and accusations of communist sympathizers in government and other sectors. C. Legacy The Second Red Scare led to the blacklisting of many entertainment industry professionals and the erosion of civil liberties. It fostered a climate of fear and conformity, with many individuals and institutions fearing accusations of being communist sympathizers. IV. Conclusion A. Overall Impact The Red Scares left a lasting legacy on American politics, culture, and society. They illustrate the complex interplay between national security concerns, civil liberties, and the fear of ideological threats. B. Lessons Learned The Red Scares serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties during times of crisis. They highlight the enduring tension between national security and individual freedoms in American history.