How far was the domestic response to fears of communist influence in the period following the First World War different from the domestic response in the period following the Second World War?
The domestic response to communist influence in the periods following both world wars were commonly known as Red Scares. It is controversial to suggest that the Red Scares were more different than they are similar. In addressing this question it is necessary to consider the responses from authorities, the public, and the media, the federal and authorities’ response, the effect the scares had on civilians, and the actual causes of the scares.
It is commonly argued that both Red Scares directly resulted in hysteric responses from federals, the public, …show more content…
By 1920, 556 citizens had been deported with little reasoning more than “suspected communism”, though this limited reasoning was covered by the Immigration Act of 1918. Such a drastic rise in levels of deportation created hysteria within America and led to citizens becoming increasingly fearful of foreigners as they were pinned as communists by the US government. The First Red Scare also created hysteria with the aid of propaganda, which warned US citizens of the increasing risk that came with communism. Pieces were distributed nationwide warning of strikes leading to disorder, which resulted in murder, Bolshevism, and chaos. This tactic of scaremongering tried to ensure that American residents would avoid communist influence and anything which could be taken as communist. The influence of propaganda was widespread and focused mainly on nationalism and American pride which further appealed to Americans and turned them against the USSR which was synonymous with communism at the time. The practice of McCarthyism in the early 1950’s extended on the deportation of people with political views opposing the social norm. Led by Senator McCarthy, a prominent figure in US politics during the Cold …show more content…
Actions from the US President showed the national importance of the Second Red Scare, as Truman signed Executive Order 9835 which introduced a loyalty program specifically designed to root out potential communists. The passing of legislation in the name of preventing communist spread in America displayed the fear experienced by American figures of authority following the Second World War. Following on from the passing of Executive Order 9835, Truman continued to openly endorse restricting freedom of speech. This was solidified by the 1951 Dennis vs United States case. The case prevented Eugene Dennis, the general secretary of the USA communist party from exercising free speech. The Supreme Court’s decision to remove Dennis’ first constitutional right could be extended on to anyone else in the country suspected of communism. Following on from Dennis vs United States, communism was still viewed as a massive threat within America as up until 1954 not one senator publicly supported the softening of anti-communist attitudes and regulations. It can be argued that publicly speaking out against the treatment of suspected communists within America would’ve resulted in arrest and potentially deportation such as had been proven with McCarthyism. The First Red Scare arguably had a shorter response period than the Second Red Scare. Responses to the First Red Scare
The domestic response to communist influence in the periods following both world wars were commonly known as Red Scares. It is controversial to suggest that the Red Scares were more different than they are similar. In addressing this question it is necessary to consider the responses from authorities, the public, and the media, the federal and authorities’ response, the effect the scares had on civilians, and the actual causes of the scares.
It is commonly argued that both Red Scares directly resulted in hysteric responses from federals, the public, …show more content…
By 1920, 556 citizens had been deported with little reasoning more than “suspected communism”, though this limited reasoning was covered by the Immigration Act of 1918. Such a drastic rise in levels of deportation created hysteria within America and led to citizens becoming increasingly fearful of foreigners as they were pinned as communists by the US government. The First Red Scare also created hysteria with the aid of propaganda, which warned US citizens of the increasing risk that came with communism. Pieces were distributed nationwide warning of strikes leading to disorder, which resulted in murder, Bolshevism, and chaos. This tactic of scaremongering tried to ensure that American residents would avoid communist influence and anything which could be taken as communist. The influence of propaganda was widespread and focused mainly on nationalism and American pride which further appealed to Americans and turned them against the USSR which was synonymous with communism at the time. The practice of McCarthyism in the early 1950’s extended on the deportation of people with political views opposing the social norm. Led by Senator McCarthy, a prominent figure in US politics during the Cold …show more content…
Actions from the US President showed the national importance of the Second Red Scare, as Truman signed Executive Order 9835 which introduced a loyalty program specifically designed to root out potential communists. The passing of legislation in the name of preventing communist spread in America displayed the fear experienced by American figures of authority following the Second World War. Following on from the passing of Executive Order 9835, Truman continued to openly endorse restricting freedom of speech. This was solidified by the 1951 Dennis vs United States case. The case prevented Eugene Dennis, the general secretary of the USA communist party from exercising free speech. The Supreme Court’s decision to remove Dennis’ first constitutional right could be extended on to anyone else in the country suspected of communism. Following on from Dennis vs United States, communism was still viewed as a massive threat within America as up until 1954 not one senator publicly supported the softening of anti-communist attitudes and regulations. It can be argued that publicly speaking out against the treatment of suspected communists within America would’ve resulted in arrest and potentially deportation such as had been proven with McCarthyism. The First Red Scare arguably had a shorter response period than the Second Red Scare. Responses to the First Red Scare