The First Red Scare: 1920s
The United States was back to its policy of isolationism with a vengeance. People throughout the country were angry after decades of immigrants coming into the country. Following the communist revolution in Russia, people began to fear that the same event could take place in the United States. How would the country respond?
The Red Scare Political Cartoons
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"Hundreds of poor laboring men and women are being thrown into jails and police stations because of their political beliefs. In fact, an attempt is being made to deport an entire political party...And what is it these radicals seek? It is the right of free speech and free thought; nothing more than is guaranteed to them under the Constitution of the United States...It is doubly dangerous because we are trying to suppress something upon which our very country was founded - liberty." - Jane Adams, 1919
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
The stacks were certainly stacked up against these two men in this trial. First, they were Italian immigrants living in a country dominated by nativists. Second, they were admitted anarchists. Could these two men possibly receive a fair trial for their supposed crimes?
" I wish to say to you that I am innocent. I have never done a crime, some sins, but never any crime. I thank you for everything you have done for me. I am innocent of all crime, not only this one, but of all, all. I am an innocent man. I now wish to forgive some people for what they are doing to me." - Bartolomeo Vanzetti