Topic 6c – Post WWI

The Fear! The Red Scare Fear from the potential rise of communism in America. Fear communism would overthrow capitalism/democracy. WWI propaganda made Americans hate Germans, which transferred to foreigners after the war.

The Fear! Communism is the opposite of capitalism. Stresses the commune rather than the individual. The Palmer Raids 1919 (!) Deportation of Russian immigrants Arrested people suspected of communist ties without warrant Tortured suspects Mostly supported by Americans

A. Mitchell Palmer

Racial Unrest 1916-1920 African Americans leave the South Seek better life, higher wages in the North Causes race riots (1917) Mass migration forms bonds between common people Higher pay in the North builds more economic stability Better economic stability leads to cultural and social advancements Eventually leads to the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement

The end of the Progressives Final Achievements Prohibition Ban on alcohol Wanted to improve morals in U.S. Supporters argued the grain could help soldiers in WWI Supporters argued it would reduce poverty and crime. Suffrage The right to vote 19th Amendment, 1920 Gives women the right to vote Death of Progressivism Couldn’t protect children in the workforce Supreme Court kept overruling legislation Couldn’t help working women Same reason. A new direction Progressive fears The new massive violent strikes Radicals Communists/Socialists Eventually joined with business and didn’t fight for change through the government.

Into the 1920s World War I turned America in a different direction Gains Women Suffrage Prohibition (would you consider this a gain?) A future, even stronger, consumer society Economic and social gains for African Americans Failures The Red Scare Emergence of violent radicals Racial tension Death of the progressive movement