1917 Russian Revolution:
- February Revolution: In February 1917, the Russian monarchy wa overthrow as a result of popular dissatisfaction with its handling of World War I and internal crises. This Revolution led to the overthrow of Czar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Provisional Government.
- October Revolution: In October 1917 (November according to the Gregorian calendar), the Bolshevik party, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized powers and established the first communist government in the world. This radical change from a monarchy to a communist regime sent shockwaves throughout the world and raised concerns about the spread of communism.
Communist Influence in the Early Soviet Union:
- Early Policies and Propaganda: The Soviet government under Lenin enacted policies such as nationalizing industries and redistributing land, challenging established economic and social structures. Additionally, the spreading communist propaganda advocating class struggles further alarmed the United States.
- Comintern and World Revolution: The Communist International (Comintern) was established in Moscow in 1919 to promote the spread of communism globally. The Comintern's activities in supporting revolutions other countries heightened worries about the expansion of communism.
Red Scare of 1919-1920 in the United States:
- Bombing Incidents and Labor Unrest: In the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, United States experienced a wave of bombings and labour strikes. These events were linked to radical organizations or individuals with leftist or anarchist inclinations, generating fear of domestic radicalism.
Palmer Raids and Red Scare:
In 1918, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer initiated a series of raids targeting alleged communists, anarchists, and other perceived radicals. This period of intensive government action against suspected communist or anarchist elements became known as the Red Scare.
Cold War Tensions:
- Post World War II Rivalry: Following the end of World War II, the united States and the soviet Union experienced tension over ideological differences, the division of Europe, and competition, competition, for global influence. This rivalry, marked by events such as the Berlin Blocade and the Cuban Missile Crisis, further amplified fears of communism and the influence of the Soviet Union in the United States.
These events contributed to the development of a deeply rooted fear of communism in the united states, known as McCarthyism. This era is characterized by pervasive suspicion and often unproved accusations of communist sympathizers or affiliations, resulting in widespread investigations, blacklisting, and political repression during the 1950s.
