First Red Scare
Definition
A period during early 20th-century history marked by widespread fear and paranoia about potential uprising or influence from communists (also known as "Reds") within United States society following Russian Revolution.
Analogy
Imagine if your school suddenly became terrified that there were hidden spies among students who wanted to change all school rules drastically. That's similar to how Americans felt during First Red Scare - they feared communist ideas infiltrating their society and changing their way of life dramatically.
Related terms
Palmer Raids: A series of raids conducted in November 1919 and January 1920 by U.S government under Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer against suspected radicals and anarchists.
Bolshevik Revolution: Also known as Russian Revolution; it led to the rise of the Soviet Union and inspired fear in other countries about the spread of communism.
McCarthyism: A campaign against alleged communists in US government and other institutions carried out under Senator Joseph McCarthy. It was characterized by heightened political repression and a campaign spreading fear of communist influence on American institutions.
"First Red Scare" appears in:
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Practice Questions (7)
- Which legislation specifically targeted anarchists during the first Red Scare?
- What event sparked the First Red Scare in the United States?
- Which Supreme Court case upheld restrictions on free speech during the First Red Scare?
- What was a significant cause of the first Red Scare in the United States?
- Which of the following best exemplifies the societal fear and paranoia that drove the First Red Scare in the United States?
- In the context of the First Red Scare (1919-1920), which earlier historical event could have contributed to heightened fear and paranoia in America?
- How might history be different if President Woodrow Wilson were not incapacitated and more actively opposed the First Red Scare?
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