Red Scare

The term "Red Scare" has been applied to two distinct periods of intense anti-Communism and anti-Anarchism in United States history: first from 1917 to 1920, and second from the late 1940s through the mid-1950s. Both periods were characterized by the suspicion of widespread civil-service infiltration by Communists and Anarchist and fears of communist influence on U.S. society and infiltration of the U.S. government. These fears spurred aggressive investigation and (particularly during the first period) jailing of persons associated with communist and socialist ideology or political movements.

Related Topics:
Anti-Communism - United States - 1917 - 1920 - 1940s - 1950s - Communist - Infiltration - U.S. government - Socialist

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As is the case today, the right to free association in America makes it impossible to convict a citizen for simply belonging to a subversive group, or groups and individuals who sympathize with these groups. However, during this time the Espionage Act was extended with the passing of the Sedition Act in 1918. These laws made it illegal to speak out against the U.S. government as well as giving the Postmaster General power to deny mail of citizens suspected of being dissenters (ie: censorship of communist, socialist and anarchist related mail). However, the United Sates later repealed both of these acts in 1921.

Related Topics:
Espionage Act - Sedition Act - U.S. government - Postmaster General

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