Early-20th Century Red Scare

Definition

The early-20th century Red Scare refers to a period of intense fear and paranoia regarding communism that swept through the United States after World War I. It led to widespread suspicion, government crackdowns on perceived communist threats, and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Related terms

Palmer Raids: A series of government raids conducted by Attorney General Mitchell Palmer in 1919-1920 to arrest suspected radicals and deport them from the United States.

Espionage Act of 1917: A law passed during World War I that made it illegal to spy or interfere with U.S. military operations.

Sedition Act of 1918: An amendment to the Espionage Act that made it a crime to criticize or speak out against the U.S. government or its policies.