What specifically was the red scare a response to quizlet

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what specifically was the red scare a response to quizlet

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What specifically was the Red Scare a response to Quizlet?

Answer: The term “Red Scare” refers to periods of intense fear and paranoia over the perceived threat of communism and radical leftism in the United States. There have been two prominent Red Scares in American history, each in response to specific events and contexts:

First Red Scare (1917-1920)

  1. Russian Revolution of 1917: The first Red Scare was largely a reaction to the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The success of the Bolsheviks, who established a communist government in Russia, raised fears in the United States that communism could spread, threatening American capitalism and democracy.

  2. Post-World War I Labor Strikes: The end of World War I brought a wave of labor strikes in the U.S. These strikes were partly due to economic adjustments as the nation transitioned from wartime to peacetime production. Many Americans feared these labor strikes were influenced by communist and anarchist elements aiming to destabilize the American economy and society.

  3. Mail Bombing Campaigns: In 1919, a series of anarchist bombings targeted government officials, business leaders, and institutions. These violent acts were widely publicized and contributed to public fear of radical political movements.

  4. The Rise of Anarchism: Anarchist activities in the United States during this period, including the aforementioned bombings, intensified fears of ideological extremism, leading to harsh actions against those perceived as radicals or sympathizers.

Second Red Scare (1947-1957)

  1. Cold War Tensions: The second Red Scare was fueled by the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War. The U.S. and the Soviet Union, as superpowers, were locked in a struggle for global influence. The ideological battle between capitalism and communism was at its peak, heightening fears of espionage and subversion.

  2. Espionage Cases and Soviet Influence: High-profile espionage cases, like those of Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs, intensified public apprehension about communism infiltrating American institutions. Additionally, the Soviet Union’s successful testing of an atomic bomb in 1949 shocked the world and indicated the increasing military prowess of the USSR.

  3. Communist Activities Within the U.S.: Fear that communists had penetrated government positions, entertainment, labor unions, and various social organizations led to widespread investigations and loyalty oaths.

  4. McCarthyism: Senator Joseph McCarthy’s aggressive investigations of alleged communist activities captivated national attention. McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) launched numerous hearings targeting individuals in government, Hollywood, and beyond, often resulting in blacklisting and loss of employment without substantial evidence.

These periods of the Red Scare were marked by significant repercussions for civil liberties and contributed to a climate of suspicion and fear across the country. Understanding the societal and political factors that fueled these scares provides insight into moments of intense national anxiety about ideological extremes.

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