2. Lesson Plans from the Roaring 1920's: The Red Scare and Fear of Revolution (1918–1922)

America After World War I: A Nation Filled with Hope, Fear, and Uncertainty

When World War I finally ended in 1918, many Americans hoped peace would bring prosperity and stability. Instead, the nation entered one of the most tense and uncertain periods in its history. Over four million American soldiers returned home from Europe looking for work, while factories that had once produced weapons and military supplies suddenly slowed down or closed. Prices for food, clothing, and everyday goods rose quickly in a wave of inflation, making life harder for ordinary families. Workers demanded higher wages, businesses feared economic collapse, and many citizens wondered if the sacrifices of the war had truly made the world safer.

A World Falling Apart

Beyond America’s borders, the world appeared to be sliding into chaos. Powerful empires such as Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire had collapsed during or after the war, leaving millions of people struggling through revolutions, civil wars, and hunger. In Russia, communist revolutionaries led by Vladimir Lenin had overthrown the government and promised to spread revolution across the world. Newspapers filled with stories about riots, strikes, bombings, and uprisings in Europe frightened Americans, who began to fear that the same kind of violence could erupt in the United States at any moment.

Returning Soldiers and a Changing Economy

The return of soldiers created enormous pressure on the American economy. Factories no longer needed as many workers after wartime production ended, and competition for jobs became fierce. Farmers also struggled because crop prices fell sharply after the war, leaving many families deep in debt. At the same time, labor unions organized massive strikes as workers demanded better pay and safer working conditions. To many Americans, these strikes looked dangerous and unpatriotic, especially when rumors spread that radicals and communists were secretly encouraging workers to rebel against the government.

Fear Spreads Across America

As fear grew, Americans became increasingly suspicious of immigrants, political activists, and anyone with unpopular ideas. Bombings carried out by anarchists in 1919 shocked the nation and convinced many people that enemies were hiding within American cities. Politicians warned that revolution could spread into American streets, while newspapers printed alarming headlines about radicals plotting to destroy the country. Fear slowly began to shape politics, public opinion, and even the way Americans viewed freedom itself. The years after World War I became a time when many citizens struggled to balance safety and liberty, creating tensions that would influence the nation for decades to come.

The Beginning of a New Era

Although the United States had emerged from World War I as one of the world’s strongest nations, the country faced deep uncertainty about its future. Americans were proud of their growing power, but many also feared economic collapse, political violence, and social change. These fears helped spark the Red Scare, immigration restrictions, and fierce debates about patriotism and civil liberties. The uneasy years immediately after the war became the foundation for many of the conflicts, cultural changes, and political battles that would define the Roaring Twenties.

The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Communism

By 1917, the massive Russian Empire was falling apart under the pressure of war, hunger, poverty, and political anger. Millions of Russian soldiers had died during World War I, food shortages spread across the country, and many citizens blamed the government of Tsar Nicholas II for their suffering. Workers marched through city streets demanding bread and better living conditions, while soldiers began refusing to follow orders. As protests grew larger and more violent, the centuries-old monarchy collapsed, leaving Russia in chaos and uncertainty.

Lenin and the Bolshevik Revolution

Into this chaos stepped Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks, a radical revolutionary group that promised peace, land, and bread to the Russian people. Lenin believed capitalism oppressed workers and that the wealthy controlled society unfairly. In November 1917, the Bolsheviks seized control of key buildings in the Russian capital and overthrew the temporary government in what became known as the Bolshevik Revolution. Almost overnight, Russia became the world’s first communist state, shocking governments across Europe and the United States.

The Ideas Behind Communism

Communism was based on the ideas of Karl Marx, who argued that society was divided between wealthy owners and struggling workers. Communist leaders believed factories, farms, banks, and businesses should belong to the people collectively instead of private individuals. Under Lenin’s government, land and industries were taken from private owners and placed under government control. Supporters claimed communism would create equality and eliminate poverty, but critics feared it destroyed freedom, private property, and individual opportunity.

Civil War and the Spread of Fear

After the revolution, Russia plunged into a brutal civil war between the Bolsheviks and their enemies. Entire cities were destroyed, millions suffered from famine, and political opponents were often imprisoned or executed. Reports of violence and government crackdowns spread around the world through newspapers and rumors. Many Americans watched these events with growing alarm, believing that revolution and class warfare could spread into other nations if communism continued to expand.

Why Americans Feared Communism

In the United States, many citizens viewed communism as a direct threat to American life. America’s economy depended on capitalism, private businesses, and the right to own property, while communist leaders openly called for worldwide revolution against wealthy nations. Religious Americans were also disturbed because communist governments often discouraged religion and promoted atheism. Business owners feared losing their companies, while politicians warned that radicals and revolutionaries might try to overthrow the American government. These fears helped fuel the Red Scare, a period when suspicion and fear of communism spread rapidly across the nation.

A Revolution That Changed the Twentieth Century

The Russian Revolution did far more than change Russia itself—it transformed world history. The rise of communism created fear, inspired revolutions, and divided nations for decades to come. Governments everywhere began watching radical political groups more closely, and ordinary citizens debated whether communism offered hope or danger. The events of 1917 became the beginning of a worldwide struggle between communism and capitalism that would shape much of the twentieth century.

Fear of Revolution Spreading Worldwide

When World War I ended in 1918, peace did not immediately follow. Across Europe, governments were collapsing, economies were shattered, and millions of people faced hunger and unemployment. Soldiers returned home to ruined cities and broken nations, while angry workers demanded change from leaders they blamed for years of suffering. To many Americans reading newspapers from overseas, it seemed as though the entire world was standing on the edge of revolution.

The Russian Revolution Inspires Others

The success of Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks in Russia shocked world leaders and inspired radical groups in other countries. Communist revolutionaries claimed workers should rise up against wealthy business owners and governments. Soon, uprisings and attempted revolutions appeared in Germany, Hungary, and parts of Eastern Europe. In 1919, communist revolutionaries briefly seized power in Hungary, while violent street fighting erupted in Germany between radical groups and government forces. Americans watched nervously as red revolutionary flags appeared in cities across Europe.

Germany and the Threat of Civil War

Germany became one of the greatest examples of postwar instability. After losing World War I, the German Empire collapsed, and angry citizens blamed political leaders, military commanders, and wealthy elites for the nation’s suffering. Communist groups known as Spartacists attempted to overthrow the government in Berlin in 1919. Armed battles filled the streets, and many feared Germany might become another communist nation like Russia. Although the rebellion failed, the violence convinced many Americans that revolution could spread quickly when governments became weak.

Americans Fear Revolution at Home

As reports of revolutions spread, many Americans began wondering whether the United States could face similar unrest. Massive labor strikes, protests, and racial tensions already existed inside America, making some people fear that radicals might try to overthrow the government. Politicians, newspapers, and business leaders warned citizens about communist plots and secret revolutionary organizations. To frightened Americans, every strike, protest, or bombing seemed like evidence that dangerous ideas were spreading closer to home.

The Rise of Fear and Suspicion

Fear of revolution created suspicion throughout American society. Immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe were often unfairly blamed for bringing radical political ideas into the country. Labor unions were accused of supporting communism, and political activists were closely watched by the government. Newspapers printed dramatic headlines about “Reds,” anarchists, and revolutionaries, causing fear to grow even faster. Many Americans believed the nation faced an invisible enemy hiding within its own cities and workplaces.

A New Age of Global Fear

The years after World War I became one of the first times Americans truly feared that events happening across the ocean could directly threaten life inside the United States. Revolutions in Europe did not simply remain foreign problems—they shaped American politics, immigration laws, labor conflicts, and debates about freedom for years to come. The fear that revolution could spread worldwide helped create the Red Scare, changing the way many Americans viewed politics, security, and even their neighbors.

Anarchists and Political Violence: Fear of Enemies Within America

In the years after World War I, Americans were already nervous about strikes, revolutions, and the growing influence of radical political movements around the world. News from Europe described governments collapsing and communist uprisings spreading across major cities. Inside the United States, many citizens feared that dangerous revolutionaries might secretly be preparing to destroy American society from within. Into this tense atmosphere came a wave of political violence that shocked the nation and deepened public fear.

Who Were the Anarchists?

Anarchists were radicals who believed governments were unnecessary and often corrupt. Some anarchists argued that society should exist without rulers, laws, or centralized authority. While many supported peaceful change, others believed violence was justified to overthrow governments and powerful institutions. By the early twentieth century, anarchist movements had appeared in Europe and America, and some radicals openly called for attacks against political leaders, judges, police officers, and wealthy businessmen.

The Mail Bomb Attacks of 1919

In the spring of 1919, fear exploded across America when dozens of bombs were mailed to government officials, judges, business leaders, and law enforcement officers. Some bombs were intercepted before reaching their targets, but others exploded violently. One package was sent to Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, whose home was heavily damaged in a nighttime explosion in Washington, D.C. Although Palmer survived, the attack terrified Americans and convinced many people that organized radicals were operating secretly inside the country.

Bombings and Assassination Attempts

The mail bombs were only part of a larger wave of political violence during this period. Radical groups carried out bombings in several cities, while assassination attempts against political leaders fueled panic even further. Newspapers reported every attack with dramatic headlines, often warning readers that revolution might soon erupt in American streets. Many citizens began to believe that hidden enemies were everywhere, waiting for the right moment to strike against the government and destroy American life.

Fear Spreads Through the Nation

As fear grew, suspicion spread rapidly throughout American society. Immigrants, labor activists, and political radicals were often accused of being connected to anarchist violence, even when there was little evidence. Government officials expanded investigations and surveillance, while ordinary citizens became more willing to support harsh measures against suspected radicals. The violence of 1919 helped create an atmosphere where fear often mattered more than facts, and many Americans accepted restrictions on civil liberties in exchange for promises of safety.

The Lasting Impact of Political Violence

The anarchist bombings and radical attacks of the early Red Scare left a deep mark on the United States. They increased support for the Palmer Raids, strengthened fears of communism, and encouraged the government to crack down on suspected extremists. For many Americans, the violence confirmed their belief that dangerous revolutionary movements threatened the nation from within. The fear created during these years would continue shaping American politics, law enforcement, and public opinion for decades afterward.

The Palmer Raids: America’s Hunt for Suspected Radicals

By 1919, the United States was gripped by fear. Bombings carried out by anarchists, labor strikes across major industries, and news of communist revolutions overseas convinced many Americans that dangerous radicals were plotting against the country. Newspapers warned about secret revolutionary groups hiding in American cities, while politicians promised strong action to restore order. In this tense atmosphere, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer emerged as one of the nation’s leading voices against radicalism.

A. Mitchell Palmer Declares War on Radicals

Palmer became especially determined to stop radicals after anarchists bombed his home in Washington, D.C., in 1919. Although he survived the attack, the explosion strengthened his belief that America faced a serious internal threat. Palmer warned citizens that communists, anarchists, and revolutionaries were planning to overthrow the government. He promised aggressive action to protect the nation and soon organized one of the largest crackdowns on suspected radicals in American history.

The Raids Begin

Under Palmer’s leadership, federal agents and local police launched a series of raids against suspected radical groups in late 1919 and early 1920. Many raids took place at night, as officers stormed meeting halls, homes, and offices searching for evidence of revolutionary activity. Thousands of people were arrested in cities across the country, especially immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. Some prisoners were held in crowded jails for weeks without formal charges or access to lawyers.

J. Edgar Hoover and Government Surveillance

A young government official named J. Edgar Hoover played an important role in organizing information about suspected radicals. Hoover collected files on political groups, labor activists, and immigrants believed to support revolutionary ideas. The government expanded surveillance efforts rapidly during the Red Scare, marking one of the first large-scale federal campaigns to monitor political activity inside the United States.

Questions About Rights and Justice

Although many Americans supported the Palmer Raids at first, others became deeply concerned about how the government was treating suspects. In many cases, arrests were made without strong evidence, proper search warrants, or fair trials. Some prisoners were beaten or denied legal protections guaranteed by the Constitution. Critics argued that fear had caused the government to ignore civil liberties in its rush to stop radicalism. The raids sparked an important national debate about how far a government should go during times of fear and crisis.

The Raids Lose Support

As time passed, Palmer’s warnings of a massive communist uprising failed to come true. Many Americans began questioning whether the danger had been exaggerated. Newspapers and political leaders increasingly criticized the raids and the violation of constitutional rights. Although the Palmer Raids eventually faded, they left behind a lasting lesson about how fear and panic can influence government actions and public opinion during uncertain times.

J. Edgar Hoover and Federal Investigations: America’s Expanding Search

During the Red Scare after World War I, many Americans feared that communists, anarchists, and revolutionaries were secretly plotting against the United States. Bombings, labor strikes, and revolutions overseas convinced government officials that dangerous radicals might already be operating inside American cities. As fear spread across the country, the federal government began expanding its ability to gather information, monitor suspects, and investigate political groups. One young government official quickly rose to prominence during this tense period—J. Edgar Hoover.

The Rise of J. Edgar Hoover

J. Edgar Hoover was only in his twenties when he joined the Justice Department during World War I. Intelligent, organized, and determined, Hoover gained attention for his ability to collect and organize massive amounts of information. During the Red Scare, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer placed Hoover in charge of the government’s Radical Division, a special unit created to investigate suspected revolutionaries and political extremists. Hoover quickly became one of the leading figures in America’s growing campaign against radical movements.

Building Files on Suspected Radicals

Hoover believed the government needed detailed information to stop potential threats before violence could occur. His agents gathered names, addresses, political memberships, speeches, newspaper articles, and personal records connected to suspected radicals. Thousands of files were created on labor leaders, immigrants, anarchists, and communist supporters. Government investigators watched meetings, collected evidence from informants, and tracked organizations believed to threaten national security. For many Americans, it was one of the first times the federal government built such a large system for monitoring political activity.

The Palmer Raids and Mass Arrests

Hoover’s investigations played a major role in the Palmer Raids of 1919 and 1920. Federal agents and local police used the information collected by Hoover’s division to raid homes, offices, and meeting halls across the country. Thousands of people were arrested, often with little evidence connecting them to violent activity. Some suspects were immigrants who faced deportation simply because of their political beliefs or group memberships. Supporters of the raids believed the government was protecting America, while critics argued innocent people were losing their rights because of fear and suspicion.

The Debate Over Surveillance and Freedom

The government’s expanding surveillance efforts raised serious questions about civil liberties. Many Americans worried that officials were spying on citizens without proper justification and punishing people for their beliefs instead of actual crimes. Others argued that strong investigations were necessary to prevent revolution and violence. The Red Scare forced Americans to debate how much power the government should have during times of fear and whether national security should ever come before constitutional freedoms.

A Lasting Influence on American Government

The methods used during the Red Scare helped shape the future of federal law enforcement in the United States. Hoover would later lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, for decades and continue expanding federal intelligence operations. The events of this period showed how quickly fear could lead governments to increase surveillance and gather information on their own citizens. The debates that began during the Red Scare over privacy, security, and government power would continue throughout American history.

Civil Liberties During Times of Fear: Freedom Tested in a Nervous Nation

After World War I, the United States entered a period filled with anxiety and suspicion. Bombings, labor strikes, communist revolutions overseas, and fears of radical uprisings inside America caused many citizens to worry that the nation itself was under threat. As fear spread during the Red Scare, Americans began debating an important question that still exists today: How much freedom should people have during dangerous times? Some believed protecting the country required strict action, while others argued that constitutional rights should never be weakened, even during moments of crisis.

Freedom of Speech Under Pressure

The First Amendment to the Constitution protected freedom of speech, but during the Red Scare, many Americans questioned whether radical political ideas should be allowed openly. Government officials worried that speeches supporting communism, anarchism, or revolution could inspire violence against the nation. Some activists, labor leaders, and immigrants were arrested simply for expressing unpopular political beliefs. Critics warned that punishing people for their opinions threatened one of the most important freedoms in American democracy.

The Battle Over a Free Press

Newspapers played a major role during the Red Scare by spreading stories about bombings, revolutions, and radical groups. Some newspapers encouraged fear with dramatic headlines that warned about secret communist plots and hidden enemies inside the country. At the same time, journalists who criticized government actions sometimes faced accusations of being unpatriotic or sympathetic to radicals. Americans argued over whether the press should be limited during dangerous times or remain completely free to question government decisions.

The Right to Protest and Organize

Workers across the country organized strikes demanding better wages, shorter hours, and safer working conditions after World War I. However, many government leaders and business owners viewed these protests with suspicion, believing radicals might be using labor unrest to spread revolution. Peaceful protests were sometimes broken up by police, and labor unions were accused of supporting communism even when their goals focused on workplace reform. The growing fear of radicalism made many Americans uncertain about where peaceful protest ended and dangerous rebellion began.

The Palmer Raids and Constitutional Questions

The Palmer Raids became one of the clearest examples of civil liberties being challenged during the Red Scare. Under Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, thousands of suspected radicals were arrested, often without proper evidence or fair trials. Some prisoners were denied lawyers or held for long periods without charges. Many Americans supported these actions because they feared revolution, while others believed the government was violating constitutional protections guaranteed to all citizens.

A Debate That Never Truly Ended

The Red Scare forced Americans to confront difficult questions about freedom, security, and government power. During times of fear, many citizens were willing to sacrifice certain liberties in exchange for safety and order. Others believed that protecting constitutional rights was most important during moments of crisis, when fear could easily lead to injustice. The debates that began during the Red Scare would continue throughout American history during wars, terrorist threats, and national emergencies, reminding future generations how fragile freedom can become when fear takes control.

Immigration Fears and Suspicion of Foreigners

After World War I, the United States became a nation filled with uncertainty and fear. Americans worried about labor strikes, rising prices, bombings, and the spread of communism after the Russian Revolution. As the Red Scare intensified, many citizens searched for someone to blame for the unrest they saw around them. Immigrants, especially those arriving from Eastern and Southern Europe, increasingly became targets of suspicion as fear spread across the country.

A New Wave of Immigration

Between the late 1800s and the early 1900s, millions of immigrants entered the United States searching for opportunity and freedom. Many came from countries such as Italy, Russia, Poland, and Greece, bringing different languages, religions, and cultural traditions with them. These immigrants worked in factories, mines, railroads, and crowded city neighborhoods, helping fuel America’s rapid industrial growth. However, some Americans viewed these newcomers as too different from earlier immigrant groups from Northern and Western Europe.

Fear of Radical Ideas

The rise of communism in Russia caused many Americans to associate immigrants with dangerous political movements. Because some anarchists and radical labor activists had immigrant backgrounds, many citizens unfairly assumed immigrants were more likely to support revolution or violence. Newspapers and politicians often connected immigrants to bombings, strikes, and political unrest, even though the overwhelming majority came simply to build better lives for their families. Fear and suspicion spread quickly, especially in crowded cities where immigrant communities were growing rapidly.

Prejudice and Discrimination Increase

As fears of communism and anarchism grew, prejudice against immigrants became more common. Many immigrants faced discrimination in jobs, housing, and everyday life. Some Americans claimed that foreigners threatened American traditions, religion, and values. Immigrants were often described as uneducated, dangerous, or unwilling to become “true Americans.” These stereotypes increased tensions between native-born citizens and immigrant communities, deepening divisions throughout the country.

The Government Responds

Government officials reacted to these fears by increasing investigations and arrests of suspected radicals during the Red Scare. Immigrants were especially targeted during the Palmer Raids, when thousands of people were arrested or deported because of suspected political beliefs. Some immigrants were deported without strong evidence connecting them to crimes or violent activities. Fear of foreigners also helped lead to stricter immigration laws in the 1920s that sharply limited the number of immigrants allowed into the United States.

A Lesson About Fear and Society

The Red Scare showed how quickly fear can shape public opinion and change the way people view outsiders. Many immigrants who came seeking freedom instead faced suspicion simply because of where they were born or the languages they spoke. The period became an important reminder that fear and uncertainty can lead societies to blame entire groups of people for problems caused by only a few individuals. The debates over immigration, security, and prejudice that grew during this era would continue shaping American history for generations.

Deportations and the “Red Ark”: America Expels Suspected Radicals

During the Red Scare after World War I, fear of communism, anarchism, and revolution spread rapidly across the United States. Bombings, labor strikes, and violent political unrest convinced many Americans that dangerous radicals were hiding within the country. Government leaders promised to remove these perceived threats before revolution could take hold in America. As fear intensified, federal officials turned to arrests, deportations, and investigations as tools to protect the nation from suspected extremists.

The Government Targets Foreign Radicals

Many of the people accused of supporting radical political movements were immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe. Government officials argued that foreign-born radicals threatened American safety and stability. Under Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, federal agents arrested thousands of suspected communists, anarchists, and labor activists during the Palmer Raids. While some individuals supported radical political ideas, many others were arrested simply because of their political associations, speeches, or immigrant backgrounds.

The Voyage of the “Red Ark”

In December 1919, the United States government deported 249 suspected radicals aboard a ship officially named the USS Buford. Newspapers quickly gave it a dramatic nickname—the “Red Ark.” The ship sailed across the Atlantic carrying anarchists, communists, and political activists away from America toward Soviet Russia. Among the passengers were well-known anarchists Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman, both famous for criticizing capitalism and government authority. The voyage became one of the most famous symbols of the Red Scare.

A Symbol of America’s Fear

To many Americans, the “Red Ark” represented strength and protection against dangerous political movements. Newspapers described the deportations as necessary to defend the country from revolution. Others, however, viewed the deportations with concern, arguing that the government was punishing people for their political beliefs rather than actual crimes. Critics feared that fear and panic were weakening constitutional protections and encouraging intolerance toward immigrants and dissenting voices.

The Debate Over Freedom and Security

The deportations raised important questions about civil liberties and government power. Should people be removed from the country because of their political beliefs? Could fear of revolution justify limiting free speech and due process? Many suspects received little opportunity to defend themselves before deportation orders were issued. The Red Scare forced Americans to debate how far the government should go when responding to perceived threats during uncertain times.

The Lasting Impact of the “Red Ark”

The voyage of the “Red Ark” became one of the most remembered events of the early Red Scare. It showed how fear of communism and revolution could shape national policies and public opinion. The deportations also strengthened immigration restrictions and increased suspicion toward foreigners throughout the 1920s. Long after the ship disappeared across the ocean, the questions raised during this period about freedom, security, and political fear continued to influence American history.

Labor Strikes and Worker Unrest: America’s Factories Become Battlegrounds

When World War I ended, millions of American workers expected better lives after years of sacrifice and hard labor. Instead, many faced rising prices, low wages, long working hours, and dangerous factory conditions. Inflation made everyday goods more expensive, while businesses tried to reduce costs after wartime production slowed down. Across the country, workers became frustrated and began organizing strikes to demand higher pay, safer workplaces, and fair treatment. What started as economic protests soon became one of the largest waves of labor unrest in American history.

The Great Steel Strike

In 1919, more than 350,000 steel workers walked off their jobs in one of the largest strikes America had ever seen. Workers in steel mills often labored twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week, under exhausting and dangerous conditions. They demanded shorter hours, better wages, and the right to join labor unions. Steel companies refused to negotiate and accused union leaders of being dangerous radicals trying to destroy American industry. Newspapers warned that the strike threatened the nation’s economy, increasing public fear during the Red Scare.

Coal Miners and Growing Tensions

Coal miners also launched massive strikes after the war. Miners worked in extremely dangerous environments underground, where explosions, cave-ins, and black lung disease were common dangers. In 1919, hundreds of thousands of coal miners demanded better wages and working conditions. The federal government feared that shutting down coal production during winter could create a national crisis. Officials accused labor leaders of encouraging revolution, while some Americans worried that labor unrest was part of a larger communist movement spreading through the country.

The Boston Police Strike

One of the most shocking labor conflicts occurred when police officers in Boston went on strike in 1919. The officers were protesting low pay and poor working conditions, but many Americans believed police should never abandon their duties. As crime and disorder increased temporarily in the city, fear spread rapidly across the nation. Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge responded forcefully by calling in the National Guard and declaring that public safety came before labor demands. His actions made him a national hero to many Americans and helped launch his political career.

Fear of Revolution and Radicalism

During the Red Scare, many Americans connected labor strikes with communism and radical political movements. Business leaders, politicians, and newspapers often claimed that labor unions were being controlled by anarchists or communist revolutionaries inspired by the Russian Revolution. In reality, most workers simply wanted fair pay and safer conditions, not the overthrow of the government. However, fear of revolution caused many citizens to distrust labor movements and support harsh government responses to strikes.

A Lasting Struggle Between Workers and Power

The labor unrest of the early 1920s revealed deep tensions within American society. Workers fought for economic fairness and safer conditions, while business leaders and government officials feared instability and revolution. The strikes showed how quickly economic problems could turn into political fear during uncertain times. The debates over workers’ rights, labor unions, and government authority would continue shaping American industry and politics throughout the twentieth century.

The Boston Police Strike: When a City Suddenly Lost Its Protectors

In 1919, the United States was already filled with fear and tension. Workers across the nation were going on strike, prices were rising after World War I, and many Americans worried that communist revolutionaries might try to spread chaos inside the country. Then, in September 1919, one of the most shocking labor conflicts of the era erupted in Boston when the city’s police officers walked off the job. To many Americans, the idea of police officers refusing to work seemed almost unimaginable, and panic spread rapidly through the city.

Why the Police Went on Strike

Boston police officers worked long hours under difficult conditions for low pay. Many officers lived in poor housing, purchased their own uniforms, and struggled to support their families as inflation drove prices higher after the war. Frustrated by their treatment, many officers attempted to form a union connected to the American Federation of Labor. Police Commissioner Edwin Curtis opposed the union effort, believing police officers should not belong to labor organizations. When negotiations failed, more than one thousand officers went on strike demanding recognition and better working conditions.

Fear and Disorder Fill the Streets

Without enough police officers on duty, parts of Boston quickly became disorderly. Crowds gathered in the streets, fights broke out, stores were looted, and public fear grew by the hour. Newspapers across the country printed alarming stories describing the city as descending into chaos. During the Red Scare, many Americans already feared revolution and lawlessness, so the strike seemed to confirm their worst fears. Some citizens believed radicals and communists were using labor strikes to weaken American society from within.

Calvin Coolidge Takes Action

Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge responded firmly to the crisis. Coolidge called in the Massachusetts National Guard to restore order and publicly declared that no one had “the right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, anytime.” His strong response made him famous across the nation almost overnight. Many Americans admired Coolidge for defending law and order during a time of fear and uncertainty, while others sympathized with the police officers’ complaints about unfair working conditions.

The Strike Ends, but the Impact Remains

The striking officers were eventually dismissed and replaced, ending the strike but leaving a lasting mark on American history. The Boston Police Strike became one of the most important labor conflicts of the Red Scare because it combined fears of labor unrest, political radicalism, and public safety all at once. Business leaders and politicians used the event as evidence that strong action was needed against labor unrest, while workers saw it as another example of the difficulties labor unions faced in America.

A Turning Point in National Politics

The strike transformed Calvin Coolidge into a national political figure and helped pave his path to the presidency just a few years later. More importantly, the event showed how quickly fear could shape public opinion during times of crisis. The Boston Police Strike became a powerful symbol of the tensions between workers’ rights, public safety, and government authority in postwar America.

Propaganda and Fear in the Media

After World War I, Americans turned to newspapers, posters, speeches, and political cartoons to understand the confusing and dangerous world around them. News spread quickly across the country, and millions of citizens followed stories about bombings, labor strikes, communist revolutions, and political unrest. During the Red Scare, the media became one of the most powerful forces shaping public opinion. Dramatic headlines and frightening images convinced many Americans that dangerous radicals and revolutionaries were threatening the nation from within.

The Power of Sensational Headlines

Newspapers competed fiercely for readers during the early twentieth century, and shocking stories sold more papers. Headlines warned about communist plots, anarchist bombings, and secret revolutionary groups hiding in American cities. Reports often exaggerated threats or focused on the most frightening details to capture public attention. Even peaceful labor strikes or political protests were sometimes described as signs of a coming revolution. As Americans read these alarming stories day after day, fear and suspicion spread rapidly throughout the country.

Political Cartoons and Propaganda

Political cartoons became another powerful tool during the Red Scare. Artists often drew radicals and communists as monsters, criminals, or violent revolutionaries trying to destroy America. Some cartoons showed immigrants carrying bombs or red flags, while others warned that communism threatened religion, family life, and private property. Posters and propaganda images encouraged citizens to remain loyal, patriotic, and watchful for suspicious behavior. These visual messages were simple, emotional, and easy for large audiences to understand, making them extremely influential.

Speeches That Increased Public Fear

Government officials and political leaders also used speeches to warn Americans about radicalism. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer publicly claimed that revolutionaries were preparing attacks against the nation. Politicians warned that communists wanted to overthrow the government and destroy American freedoms. Many speeches encouraged citizens to support investigations, arrests, and deportations of suspected radicals. These warnings made many Americans believe that harsh government action was necessary to protect the country.

Immigrants and Labor Unions Become Targets

The media often connected immigrants and labor unions with communism and anarchism, increasing prejudice against certain groups. Immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe were frequently portrayed as dangerous outsiders bringing radical ideas into the United States. Labor strikes were described as threats to national stability rather than efforts to improve wages and working conditions. As fear grew, many Americans became suspicious of their neighbors, coworkers, and even ordinary political activists.

The Lasting Impact of Fear in the Media

The Red Scare showed how powerful media and propaganda could become during times of national fear. Newspapers, cartoons, posters, and speeches helped shape public opinion by turning uncertainty into panic and suspicion. Many Americans supported strict government actions because the media convinced them the nation faced an immediate threat. The events of this period became an important lesson about how information, fear, and propaganda can influence society and change the way people view freedom, security, and one another.

Fear-Driven Politics and Public Opinion

After World War I, Americans faced a wave of uncertainty unlike anything they had experienced in years. Labor strikes shut down industries, bombings frightened major cities, and communist revolutions overseas created fears that radical movements might spread into the United States. Newspapers warned about anarchists and secret revolutionaries, while many citizens worried that the nation itself was under attack from within. During this tense period, politicians quickly realized that fear could become a powerful tool for gaining public support.

Politicians Promise Law and Order

As fear spread during the Red Scare, many political leaders built their campaigns around promises of law, order, and security. Candidates warned voters that radicals and communists threatened American values, businesses, religion, and the government itself. Politicians promised to strengthen law enforcement, crack down on suspected revolutionaries, and defend the nation from dangerous ideas. For frightened Americans looking for stability, these promises often sounded reassuring and necessary.

The Rise of Strong Anti-Radical Leaders

Several politicians gained national attention by taking strong positions against radicalism. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer became famous for launching raids against suspected radicals and warning about revolutionary threats. Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge rose to prominence after responding firmly to the Boston Police Strike. Many voters admired leaders who appeared tough and decisive during a time filled with fear and uncertainty.

Fear Influences Public Opinion

Fear-driven politics worked because public opinion had already been shaped by alarming news reports, bombings, strikes, and stories of revolution overseas. Many Americans believed communists and anarchists were secretly organizing inside the country. Citizens who feared instability often supported harsh government actions that they might have rejected during calmer times. Arrests, deportations, and restrictions on civil liberties became easier to defend politically because many voters believed national survival was at stake.

Immigrants and Labor Unions Become Political Targets

Politicians sometimes used public fear to turn suspicion toward immigrants, labor unions, and political activists. Immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe were often accused of bringing dangerous ideas into America, while labor strikes were linked to communism and revolution. Some leaders argued that limiting immigration and weakening radical organizations were necessary to protect the country. These arguments helped increase support for stricter immigration laws and stronger government investigations during the 1920s.

The Long-Term Effects of Fear-Based Politics

The Red Scare demonstrated how strongly fear can influence elections, public opinion, and government policy. During uncertain times, many citizens become more willing to support leaders who promise protection and security, even if those promises involve limiting freedoms or targeting unpopular groups. The politics of fear during the Red Scare shaped immigration laws, law enforcement, and civil liberties debates for years afterward. The era became an important example of how emotions and public anxiety can influence the direction of a nation.

The Long-Term Impact of the First Red Scare

The First Red Scare officially faded during the early 1920s, but its effects did not disappear when the panic ended. The fear of communism, radicalism, and revolution deeply influenced American politics, immigration policies, law enforcement, and public opinion for decades afterward. What began as a reaction to bombings, labor strikes, and the Russian Revolution eventually became a turning point in how Americans viewed national security, civil liberties, and political dissent throughout the twentieth century.

The Rise of Anti-Communist Movements

The Red Scare helped create a lasting fear of communism inside the United States. Many Americans continued believing that communist movements threatened democracy, capitalism, religion, and private property. During the Cold War after World War II, fears of Soviet influence revived anti-communist attitudes even more strongly. Politicians, government agencies, and investigators searched for suspected communists in government offices, universities, Hollywood, and labor unions. The Second Red Scare of the late 1940s and 1950s echoed many of the same fears first seen after World War I.

McCarthyism and Political Fear

One of the most famous examples of later anti-communist fear was the rise of Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s. McCarthy claimed communists had secretly infiltrated the American government and military. His accusations created panic across the country, even when little evidence existed. Many people lost jobs or faced investigations simply because they were suspected of holding unpopular political beliefs. The atmosphere of fear during McCarthyism strongly resembled the tensions and suspicions of the First Red Scare decades earlier.

Immigration Restrictions and Suspicion

The Red Scare also influenced immigration policy in the United States. Fear of foreign radicals encouraged lawmakers to pass stricter immigration laws during the 1920s. These laws sharply limited immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe, regions many Americans unfairly associated with anarchism and communism. The idea that immigrants could threaten national security remained an important issue throughout the twentieth century and continued shaping debates about immigration for generations.

Debates Over Civil Liberties

The First Red Scare forced Americans to confront difficult questions about freedom and government power. During times of fear, should free speech, protests, and political activism be limited for the sake of national security? The Palmer Raids, surveillance programs, arrests, and deportations raised concerns about constitutional rights and government overreach. Similar debates would return during World War II, the Cold War, and later national emergencies, showing how fear often tests a society’s commitment to civil liberties.

A Warning About Fear and Democracy

The First Red Scare became an important lesson about how fear can influence an entire nation. Many Americans supported harsh actions because they believed the country faced a dangerous threat, while others warned that panic could lead to injustice and the loss of freedom. The era demonstrated how quickly suspicion and fear can shape laws, elections, and public opinion. Long after the Red Scare ended, its influence remained visible in American politics, national security policies, and the continuing struggle to balance liberty with safety.

World Events That Shaped the Red Scare and Fear of Revolution (1918–1922)

The Red Scare did not develop in isolation inside the United States. Between 1918 and 1922, the world was filled with revolutions, collapsing empires, civil wars, economic disasters, and political violence. Americans closely followed these events through newspapers and speeches, and many feared that the chaos spreading across Europe and Asia could eventually reach American cities. These international crises helped fuel suspicion, anti-communist fears, labor unrest, immigration restrictions, and government crackdowns during the First Red Scare.

The Russian Revolution and the Rise of Soviet Russia

The most important international event influencing the Red Scare was the Russian Revolution. In 1917, Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the Russian government and created the world’s first communist state. The new Soviet government openly supported worldwide revolution and encouraged workers in other nations to rise against capitalism. Americans feared that communist revolutionaries might inspire workers and radicals inside the United States to overthrow the government in a similar way. The success of the Bolsheviks transformed communism from a theory into a real global political threat in the eyes of many Americans.

The Russian Civil War (1917–1923)

After the revolution, Russia descended into a brutal civil war between the communist “Reds” and anti-communist “Whites.” Millions died from combat, starvation, disease, and political executions. The United States and several European nations even sent limited military support to anti-communist forces during the conflict. Reports of violence, government crackdowns, and revolutionary terror spread fear across the world. Americans became convinced that communism led to chaos, violence, and dictatorship, strengthening support for anti-radical policies at home.

Communist Uprisings in Germany

Germany experienced political chaos after losing World War I. In 1919, communist revolutionaries called Spartacists attempted to overthrow the German government in Berlin. Armed fighting broke out in the streets as radicals battled government forces. Although the uprising failed, Americans closely watched the violence and worried that revolutionary movements were spreading throughout Europe. The instability in Germany reinforced fears that workers and radicals in industrial nations could suddenly launch revolutions.

The Hungarian Soviet Republic

In 1919, communists briefly seized power in Hungary under the leadership of Béla Kun. The new government attempted to establish a Soviet-style communist state in Central Europe. Although it lasted only a few months before collapsing, the event shocked Americans because it showed that communist revolutions were no longer limited to Russia alone. Many citizens feared other nations might soon fall under communist control.

Postwar Economic Chaos Across Europe

World War I left much of Europe economically devastated. Factories were destroyed, unemployment soared, inflation spread rapidly, and food shortages created unrest in many countries. Workers organized massive strikes, and governments struggled to maintain stability. Americans saw images of starving populations, violent protests, and collapsing economies overseas. These conditions made many people fear that economic hardship in the United States could also lead to revolution and political violence.

Worldwide Labor Strikes and Worker Movements

Labor unrest spread across much of the world after the war. Workers in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and other countries demanded higher wages and better working conditions. In Italy, factory workers even occupied factories during the “Biennio Rosso,” or “Two Red Years,” between 1919 and 1920. American business leaders and politicians feared that labor strikes in the United States might be connected to the same revolutionary movements spreading overseas. This fear caused many Americans to view labor unions with suspicion during the Red Scare.

Important People During The Red Scare and Fear of Revolution (1918–1922)

A. Mitchell Palmer

A. Mitchell Palmer served as the United States Attorney General during the height of the Red Scare. After anarchists bombed his home in 1919, Palmer became convinced that communist revolutionaries and radicals threatened the nation. He organized the famous Palmer Raids, which led to thousands of arrests and deportations of suspected radicals across the country. Palmer became one of the strongest symbols of the government’s anti-radical campaign and demonstrated how fear could shape government policy during times of crisis.

J. Edgar Hoover

J. Edgar Hoover was a young government investigator during the Red Scare who quickly gained influence because of his organizational skills and anti-radical investigations. Working under Palmer, Hoover led the Justice Department’s Radical Division and created extensive files on suspected communists, anarchists, labor leaders, and immigrants. His work during the Red Scare helped lay the foundation for the future Federal Bureau of Investigation, which he would later lead for decades.

Vladimir Lenin

Although he lived in Russia, Vladimir Lenin strongly influenced events in the United States during the Red Scare. As leader of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, Lenin helped establish the world’s first communist government. His calls for worldwide worker revolutions frightened many Americans, who feared communism might spread into the United States. Lenin became one of the most feared international figures of the era and symbolized revolutionary change throughout the world.

Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman was one of the most famous anarchists in American history. Born in the Russian Empire, she became a powerful speaker and writer who criticized capitalism, government authority, and social inequality. During the Red Scare, Goldman’s outspoken political beliefs made her a target of government investigations. She was eventually deported aboard the “Red Ark” in 1919. To supporters, she represented freedom of speech and political activism, while critics viewed her as a dangerous radical.

Alexander Berkman

Alexander Berkman was a close ally of Emma Goldman and another major anarchist figure during the Red Scare. Berkman supported revolutionary political ideas and spent years involved in radical activism. Like Goldman, he was deported from the United States during the Palmer Raids aboard the “Red Ark.” His life became an example of how immigrants associated with radical political beliefs were targeted during this period.

Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge gained national fame during the 1919 Boston Police Strike. As governor of Massachusetts, he responded firmly when police officers walked off the job, calling in the National Guard to restore order. His statement that no one had the right to strike against public safety made him popular with Americans who feared disorder and revolution. The strike helped launch Coolidge’s national political career and eventually contributed to his rise to the presidency.

Eugene V. Debs

Eugene V. Debs was one of America’s most influential labor leaders and socialists during the early twentieth century. Debs supported workers’ rights, labor unions, and socialist reforms, but his opposition to World War I led to his imprisonment under the Espionage Act. During the Red Scare, many Americans associated socialism with dangerous radicalism, making Debs a controversial figure. To supporters, he represented free speech and labor rights, while critics believed his ideas threatened American capitalism.

Life Lessons and Thought Processes from The Red Scare and Fear of Revolution The Red Scare and Fear of Revolution: Lessons About Fear, Freedom, and Human Nature

The Red Scare of 1918–1922 was more than a period of political fear—it was a powerful lesson about how people and governments react during times of uncertainty. Americans faced bombings, labor unrest, revolutions overseas, economic hardship, and rapid social change all at once. Fear spread quickly, and many citizens became convinced that hidden enemies threatened the nation from within. By studying this period, students can better understand human behavior, critical thinking, leadership, and the importance of protecting freedom during difficult times.

Fear Can Spread Faster Than Facts

One of the biggest lessons from the Red Scare is how quickly fear can spread through a society. Newspapers, political speeches, rumors, and sensational headlines often caused people to panic before they fully understood the facts. Many Americans began distrusting immigrants, labor unions, and political activists because fear made them believe danger was everywhere. Students can learn the importance of slowing down, gathering evidence, and thinking carefully before accepting claims driven by emotion or panic.

People Often Sacrifice Freedom for Security

During the Red Scare, many Americans supported arrests, deportations, and government surveillance because they believed strong action would protect the country. The Palmer Raids and restrictions on free speech showed how fear can lead societies to limit constitutional rights during times of crisis. Students can learn that freedom is often tested most during dangerous moments, and protecting civil liberties requires courage and careful thinking even when people feel afraid.

Economic Hardship Can Create Political Instability

After World War I, inflation, unemployment, and poor working conditions created frustration across the United States and Europe. Many workers went on strike because they wanted fair wages and safer conditions, but others feared these protests were signs of revolution. Students can learn that economic problems can increase anger, division, and political extremism when people lose hope or feel ignored. Stable societies often depend on economic fairness and opportunities for ordinary citizens.

Leaders Have Great Power During Times of Fear

The Red Scare demonstrates how influential leaders can become during moments of uncertainty. Figures like A. Mitchell Palmer and Calvin Coolidge gained support by promising security and order. Students can learn that strong leadership can calm fears or increase them, depending on the choices leaders make. This period encourages students to think carefully about how leaders use language, fear, and public emotions to gain support.

Entire Groups Should Not Be Judged by the Actions of a Few

During the Red Scare, many immigrants from Eastern and Southern Europe were unfairly blamed for radical violence and political unrest. Even though only a small number of extremists committed crimes, entire communities faced suspicion and discrimination. Students can learn the importance of judging individuals fairly rather than making assumptions about entire groups based on fear, stereotypes, or rumors.

Critical Thinking Is Essential in Every Generation

The Red Scare teaches students that citizens must think critically during times of political tension. Governments, newspapers, and public figures can sometimes exaggerate threats or spread fear to influence public opinion. Students can learn to ask questions, examine evidence, compare viewpoints, and avoid blindly following popular opinion. Critical thinking helps protect societies from panic, injustice, and manipulation.

Vocabulary to Learn While Studying the Rise of Communism and Revolution Fears

1. Communism

Definition: A political and economic system in which property and businesses are owned collectively or by the government rather than by private individuals.

Sample Sentence: Many Americans feared communism would spread to the United States after the Russian Revolution.

2. Anarchist

Definition: A person who believes governments should be abolished and, in some cases, replaced with little or no centralized authority.

Sample Sentence: The government investigated several anarchists after a series of bomb attacks in 1919.

3. Radical

Definition: A person who supports extreme political or social changes.

Sample Sentence: During the Red Scare, many people worried that radicals were trying to overthrow the government.

4. Bolsheviks

Definition: The communist group led by Vladimir Lenin that took control of Russia during the 1917 Revolution.

Sample Sentence: The Bolsheviks created the world’s first communist government in Russia.

5. Red Scare

Definition: A period of intense fear of communism, radicals, and revolution.

Sample Sentence: The First Red Scare caused many Americans to distrust immigrants and labor unions.

6. Palmer Raids

Definition: Government raids led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer to arrest suspected radicals during the Red Scare.

Sample Sentence: Thousands of people were arrested during the Palmer Raids without fair trials.

7. Deportation

Definition: The act of forcing someone to leave a country and return to another nation.

Sample Sentence: Some suspected radicals were deported from the United States aboard the “Red Ark.”

8. Labor Union

Definition: An organized group of workers who join together to improve wages, hours, and working conditions.

Sample Sentence: Labor unions organized strikes to demand better treatment for workers.

9. Strike

Definition: A work stoppage by employees protesting wages, conditions, or treatment.

Sample Sentence: The steel strike of 1919 frightened many Americans during the Red Scare.

10. Civil Liberties

Definition: Basic freedoms protected by law, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Sample Sentence: Many citizens worried that civil liberties were being violated during the Palmer Raids.

11. Surveillance

Definition: The close observation or monitoring of people or groups by authorities.

Sample Sentence: Federal agents increased surveillance on suspected radicals during the Red Scare.

12. Capitalism

Definition: An economic system based on private ownership, businesses, and competition for profit.

Sample Sentence: Many Americans believed communism threatened capitalism and private property.

13. Espionage Act

Definition: A U.S. law passed during World War I that limited interference with military operations and certain forms of speech.

Sample Sentence: Some activists were arrested under the Espionage Act for criticizing the government.

14. Sedition

Definition: Speech or actions encouraging rebellion against a government.

Sample Sentence: Government officials accused some radicals of sedition during the Red Scare.

15. Inflation

Definition: A rise in prices that reduces the value of money over time.

Sample Sentence: Inflation after World War I made life difficult for many American families.

16. Nativism

Definition: Favoring native-born citizens over immigrants.

Sample Sentence: Nativism increased as Americans became fearful of foreign radicals.

17. Blacklist

Definition: A list of people who are denied jobs or opportunities because of their beliefs or actions.

Sample Sentence: Some workers were placed on blacklists after being accused of radical activities.

18. Due Process

Definition: Fair treatment through the normal legal system and constitutional protections.

Sample Sentence: Critics argued that many suspects during the Red Scare were denied due process.

Activities to Try While Studying the Rise of Communism and Revolution Fears

Red Scare Newspaper Investigation

Recommended Age: 11–18

Activity Description: Students become investigative journalists living during the Red Scare. They examine fictional newspaper headlines, political cartoons, and short news reports based on real historical events from 1918–1922. Some articles contain exaggerated or fear-driven language, while others present facts more carefully. Students must decide which articles seem trustworthy and which appear designed to create panic.

Objective: To help students understand how media and propaganda influenced public fear during the Red Scare.

Materials: Printed newspaper headlines, political cartoons, pens or pencils, notebook paper, highlighters.

Instructions: Give students several historical-style newspaper articles and political cartoons. Ask them to highlight words or phrases designed to create fear or strong emotions. Students should discuss which headlines seem factual and which seem exaggerated. Older students can rewrite sensational headlines into more balanced news reports. Finish with a classroom discussion about how media shapes public opinion during times of fear.

Learning Outcome: Students will learn how propaganda and sensational journalism influenced the Red Scare and how critical thinking helps people evaluate information responsibly.

The Palmer Raids Debate

Recommended Age: 13–18

Activity Description: Students participate in a classroom debate about whether the Palmer Raids were necessary to protect the United States or whether they violated constitutional rights. One side represents government officials worried about revolution, while the other side represents civil liberties advocates defending freedom of speech and due process.

Objective: To help students examine both sides of the debate surrounding government power and civil liberties during times of crisis.

Materials: Background reading sheets, debate question cards, note paper, pencils.

Instructions: Divide students into two groups. One group argues that strong government action was needed during the Red Scare, while the other argues that the raids violated constitutional freedoms. Allow students time to research and prepare arguments. Conduct the debate with opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. End by discussing whether fear should ever justify limiting freedoms.

Learning Outcome: Students will better understand constitutional rights, government authority, and the difficult decisions societies face during periods of fear and instability.

Build a Red Scare Timeline

Recommended Age: 10–16

Activity Description: Students create a large visual timeline showing important events connected to the Red Scare between 1917 and 1922. Events can include the Russian Revolution, the Palmer Raids, labor strikes, bombings, the Boston Police Strike, and immigration restrictions.

Objective: To help students understand how events connected together to create fear and political tension during the Red Scare.

Materials: Poster board, markers, printed event cards, scissors, tape or glue, colored pencils.

Instructions: Assign students important events from the era and have them research dates and summaries. Students place events in chronological order on a classroom timeline and add illustrations or short descriptions explaining each event. Teachers or parents can discuss how one event often influenced another.

Learning Outcome: Students will develop a stronger understanding of cause and effect and how multiple historical events contributed to the Red Scare.

Propaganda Poster Workshop

Recommended Age: 11–18

Activity Description: Students design their own propaganda posters from the perspective of the Red Scare era. Some students create posters supporting strong government action against radicals, while others create posters defending free speech and civil liberties.

Objective: To help students understand how governments, newspapers, and activists used emotional messaging to influence public opinion.

Materials: Poster paper, markers, colored pencils, rulers, access to examples of historical propaganda posters.

Instructions: Show students examples of real propaganda posters from the early twentieth century. Discuss colors, slogans, symbols, and emotional language used to influence people. Students then design their own posters with short slogans and symbolic imagery connected to the Red Scare. Students should explain the message and audience for their poster.

Learning Outcome: Students will learn how propaganda works and how emotions can influence political beliefs and public fear.