America Struggles with Post War Issues How are civil liberties attacked in the post-war era?
Red Scare Widens Communism in Russia causes a panic in US since Communists (aka Reds) called for a worldwide communist revolution 70K Americans were already socialists and had joined the American Communist Party by 1919 American people feared a takeover of US govt, especially since Anarchists were using bombing campaigns Most Americans did not see a difference between the two groups
Palmer Raids When several bombs mailed to govt agencies, Atty. General A. Mitchell Palmer begins raiding communists & anarchists Palmer & his asst. J. Edgar Hoover jailed/deported thousands w/o trials and found no bombs or evidence of a revolution What were some post-war economic problems? Why are Palmer raids a dark chapter in US History? What did Palmer claim he had? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nOzlo8gSlQ&safe=active
Post War Racism More racism against Af-Ams, as Caucasians resented that Af-Ams still have jobs and homes near them 1. Chicago: black swimmer killed, police fail to arrest culprit, riot breaks out, Ntl Guard called in 2. Rosewood, FL: white woman accuses black man of rape, whites attack town, blacks fight back, KKK burns down town
Immigrant Backlash: America for Americans Due to red scare, anarchism, and isolationism anti-foreign sentiment sweeps nation, Nativists blame immigrants all problems Sacco & Vanzetti case involved two Italian immigrants accused of robbery & murder (both men were alleged anarchists) Despite having alibis and little evidence against them, the two are found guilty & executed 1921: Congress passes the Emergency Quota Act Establishes maximum # of people by country that can enter US KKK sees even more membership b/c nativist sentiment
Protecting Rights & Fighting Discrimination Anti-Defamation League, 1913 (ADL) Brought attention to discrimination against Jews in housing, employment & college admission American Civil Liberties Union, 1920 (ACLU) Fought to have those arrested under Sedition Acts & Palmer Raids freed from jail, continues to fight for citizens rights
Boston Police Strike 1919 Boston police ask for a raise, some fired for demanding more pay Remaining officers go on strike Mass Gov Calvin Coolidge sends in National Guard to end strike, says no strikes in public safety
Steel & Coal Strikes Workers at US Steel want shorter hours, better pay, right to form union, management refuses to meet w/ workers When workers strike, US Steel hires “scabs” to replace them, when scabs & workers clash, US Steel labels strikes as “Reds” Fearing communist label, workers give in a return to work John L. Lewis leads coal mine strike, govt orders them to return Lewis able to gain sympathy from public, saying “we can’t fight the owners & the govt” but union membership decreases in 1920s