US History Mrs. Housenick 12/6/11 The Red Scare US History Mrs. Housenick 12/6/11

Radicals and Bombs Two radical groups Communists—wanted worldwide workers revolution Anarchists—wanted no government Most peaceful, some turned to violence In early 20s, anarchists planted bombs at homes of political officials and industrialists Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer had his house bombed Determined to destroy radical groups

The Red Scare Government coordinated attacks on radicals and foreigners A. Mitchell Palmer got law enforcement to deport or arrest “Reds” or communists. Palmer Raids—ordered police to raid headquarters of radical groups, often without warrants Many innocent people arrested and deported

The Red Scare ctnd. Increased anti-immigration sentiment Connected immigrants with radicals 1924 National Origins Act—set quotas on number of immigrants coming to US, especially limited immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe Some citizens protested government methods during Red Scare American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) formed to try to protect people’s constitutional freedoms during this time

The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial Robbery at factory where paymaster and guard killed Police arrested two Italian immigrants, Sacco and Vanzetti who were known anarchists Prosecution lacked concrete evidence but jury convicted both after only 6 hours of deliberation Many believe Sacco and Vanzetti were victims of Red Scare and xenophobia.