20 1 America Struggles with Post War Issues

20. 1 America Struggles with Post War Issues How are civil liberties attacked in the post-war era?

Red Scare Widens • Communism [Reds] in Russia called for worldwide revolution • groups of anarchists, radicals, socialist/comm. labor groups thought to be tied directly to takeover - creates fear and panic

Palmer Raids • Atty. Gen Mitchell Palmer claims to have evidence of campaigns to overthrow gov’t • Palmer & asst. J. Edgar Hoover jailed/deported thousands w/o trials - no bombs or evidence of a rev found • Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] formed

Post War Strikes 1. Boston police strike for more pay • Mass Gov Coolidge states can’t strike – public safety 2. US Steel Workers strike for more pay • strikers labeled “communist agitators” – strike ends • public opinion of unions violent troublemakers - during 1920’s # of union members decrease

Post War Racism • Black/White tensions rise in cities, competition for jobs & housing • Chicago: black swimmer killed police fail to arrest culprit riot breaks out Nat’l Guard called in

Immigrant Backlash • desire for isolationism increase nativism [anti-immigration] • Sacco & Vanzetti case: Italian immigrants accused of robbery & murder [alleged anarchists] - Both found guilty & executed despite little evidence • 1921: Congress passes the Emergency Quota Act - Estab max # of people by country that can enter US • increase in KKK membership

Protecting Rights • organizations form to help w/ civil rights 1. Anti-Defamation League [1913]: Fights discrimination for Jews & other immigrants 2. American Civil Liberties Union [1920]: Fought to have those arrested under Sedition Acts & Palmer Raids freed from jail