How significant was the Red Scare as an aspect of intolerance in US society in the 1920s?
Level
O LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
THE UNITED STATES, 1919–41
👑Complete Model Essay
How significant was the Red Scare as an aspect of intolerance in US society in the 1920s?
The Red Scare: A Significant Aspect of Intolerance in 1920s US Society
The Red Scare, a period of intense fear of communist and anarchist ideology in the United States during the 1920s, played a significant role in fostering intolerance in American society.
Causes of the Red Scare
The Russian Revolution of 1917 sparked fears of communism spreading to the United States. Strikes, race riots, and terrorist bombings fueled the perception that radicalism was on the rise. The arrival of Russian and Eastern European immigrants, seen as potential communist sympathizers, further heightened concerns.
Palmer Raids and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer launched the Palmer Raids, targeting suspected communists and other radicals. The raids led to the arrest and deportation of thousands of immigrants. The Red Scare also coincided with rising anti-immigrant sentiment, resulting in immigration quotas and the restriction of Asian immigration.
Racial and Religious Intolerance
Other forms of intolerance existed alongside the Red Scare. Racism was prevalent, particularly in the South, where Jim Crow laws enforced segregation and the Ku Klux Klan flourished. Religious fundamentalism in the Midwest and South led to the Scopes Trial and Prohibition, reflecting a conservative resistance to social change.
Conclusion
While other forms of intolerance were present in 1920s US society, the Red Scare stands out as a significant aspect of intolerance due to its widespread impact. The fear of communism influenced government policies, stoked social tensions, and undermined individual freedoms. The Palmer Raids, anti-immigrant sentiment, and high-profile cases like Sacco and Vanzetti highlighted the oppressive nature of the Red Scare and its lasting legacy of intolerance.
Sources
- Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins Publishers.
- Kennedy, D. M. (2015). The American People: Creating a Nation and a Society. Cengage Learning.
- Winkler, A. S. (2017). Home Front U.S.A.: The American People during the First World War. Routledge.
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YES – The Red Scare was significant as an aspect of intolerance in US society in the 1920s
— Russian Revolution instilled fear of communism and anarchism among Americans —
— Russian and Eastern European immigrants were perceived as potential radicals —
— Labor unrest and race riots fueled concerns about increasing radicalism —
— Terrorist bombings and Palmer Raids targeted suspected communists —
— Hoover's files on communists added to the fear and distrust —
— Sacco and Vanzetti case exposed prejudice in the justice system —
NO – Other forms of intolerance were more significant in the 1920s
— Immigration quotas and fears of competition from immigrants sparked intolerance —
— Racism and Jim Crow laws institutionalized segregation and discrimination —
— KKK violence and lynchings targeted African Americans —
— Religious fundamentalism and Prohibition promoted intolerance towards different lifestyles —
— Prejudice against women and Native Americans limited their rights and opportunities —
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How significant was the Red Scare as an aspect of intolerance in US society in the 1920s? Explain your answer.
YES –
- November 1917 Russian Revolution saw communists take control; led to fear of communist and anarchist ideology spreading to American troops in First World War and penetrating USA after the war
- Russian and Eastern European immigrants arriving in the USA thought to be possible communist radicals or Soviet agents/spies
- 1919 workers’ strikes involved 400 000; Boston Police strike; race riots in 25 towns – these were seen as signs of increasing radicalism
- terrorist bombs – one almost killed Attorney General Mitchell Palmer who launched Palmer Raids
- J Edgar Hoover created files on suspected communists
- Palmer targeted trade unionists, Jews and Catholic organisations and whipped up Red Scare
- Sacco and Vanzetti case highlighted prejudice in the US system
NO – More significant –
- Immigration – government quotas in 1924 limited immigration to 150,000 and no Asian immigrants
- many Americans feared competition in employment from cheaper immigrant workers
- some feared immigrants brought crime, disease, and ‘un-American’ culture with them
- racism, especially in the South; Jim Crow Laws and segregation; rise of the KKK; lynching
- religious fundamentalism in South and Midwest; Scopes Trial; Prohibition; intolerance towards women; Native Americans