The USA in the 1920’s Chapter’s 20 and 21 Xenophobia

Communism vs. Capitalism Also known as: ‘Reds’ ‘Anarchists’ ‘Radicals’

The press is controlled by the government Rich people should be forced to share their wealth with the poor Factories and properties should be owned by the state. Voters must choose Communist candidates Communist

The press should be free to criticise the government People earn as much (or as little) as they are able to Factories and properties are owned by individuals and companies Voters can vote for any party! Capitalism

Why fear Communists? After the Russian Revolution the Communists seized power. Americans were worried that this could happen in their country. “RED SCARE” After the war, there were strikes in some industries, when workers complained about low wages and poor conditions. Americans blamed communists. Americans thought Communists would ruin their way of life. What type of people would be most worried about a Communist revolution?

Mitchell Palmer, Attorney General of the US (1919), was convinced the Communists were planning to overthrow the gov’t, had a list of 62 people who he thought were dangerous to the USA.

Palmer Raids * In January, 1920, 6,000 suspected communists were arrested and held without trial. These raids took place in several cities and became known as the Palmer Raids. Even though Palmer and Hoover found no evidence of a revolution, Palmer announced that the Communist revolution was likely to take place on 1st May.

Mass panic took place over America! When the May Day revolution didn’t happen, attitudes towards Palmer began to change and he was criticized for disregarding people's basic civil liberties. Some of his opponents claimed that Palmer had devised this Red Scare to help him become the Democratic presidential candidate in 1920

The Sacco & Vanzetti Case  Nicola Sacco & Bartolommeo Vanzetti  Arrested & charged with a wages robbery in which two guard were shot dead.  They were immigrants from Italy, living in Massachusetts.  Spoke poor English  Both were Anarchists - People who do not believe in society, the law or the government.  Judge Webster Thayer  They were both carrying loaded guns when arrested.  Many people organised demonstrations  Executed by electric chair.