The red scare

Definition

The Red Scare refers to the intense fear of communism and radical leftism that swept through the United States, particularly after World War I and during the early years of the Cold War. This period was marked by widespread paranoia about communist infiltration in American society, leading to government actions that often curtailed civil liberties, especially regarding freedom of speech and the press.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Red Scare occurred in the United States from 1917 to 1920, largely in response to the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and fears of a similar uprising in America.
2. During the Red Scare, many individuals were subjected to investigations and accusations without solid evidence, resulting in a climate of fear and suspicion.
3. The Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918 were enacted during this time, significantly limiting free speech by criminalizing dissent against the government.
4. The second Red Scare emerged after World War II, fueled by fears of Soviet espionage and the spread of communism during the Cold War, leading to widespread loyalty oaths and security clearances.
5. The Red Scare had lasting impacts on American society, shaping public perceptions of communism and influencing domestic policies regarding civil liberties and national security.

Review Questions

• How did the Red Scare impact freedom of speech in America?
  • The Red Scare had a significant impact on freedom of speech as government actions during this period included censorship and suppression of dissenting voices. Laws such as the Espionage Act and the Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the government and its policies. This environment fostered fear among citizens, leading many to self-censor their opinions to avoid persecution or accusations of being a communist sympathizer.
• Discuss how McCarthyism exemplified the extreme measures taken during the second Red Scare and its effects on American civil liberties.
  • McCarthyism represented one of the most extreme responses to perceived threats during the second Red Scare. It involved aggressive investigations into alleged communist infiltration across various sectors, including government, entertainment, and education. Many individuals lost their jobs or faced public ostracization based on unsubstantiated accusations. This period illustrated how fear could lead to widespread violations of civil liberties, highlighting tensions between national security interests and individual rights.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Red Scare on American political discourse surrounding freedom of press and expression.
  • The long-term effects of the Red Scare on American political discourse surrounding freedom of press and expression are profound. The fear instilled by this period resulted in a heightened sensitivity towards radical ideas, influencing how media outlets report on dissenting views. The legacy of censorship persists today as issues surrounding national security continue to clash with First Amendment rights. This ongoing struggle reflects broader societal concerns about balancing liberty with safety in a democratic context, shaping how future generations approach civil liberties debates.

Related terms

McCarthyism: A campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions led by Senator Joseph McCarthy during the early 1950s, characterized by aggressive investigations and questioning.

Palmer Raids: A series of government-led raids in 1919-1920 aimed at arresting and deporting suspected radicals, particularly anarchists and communists, following World War I.

First Amendment:

An amendment to the United States Constitution that protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition; it is often cited in discussions about freedom of speech and press.