The Red Scare (1900s-1920s)

The Red Scare of the early 20th century was a period of fear in the United States about the potential spread of communism and radical political ideas, especially after the 1917 Russian Revolution. During this time, authorities and the public worried that communist agents, anarchists, or radicals might overthrow the government or promote violence. As a result, there were widespread investigations, sometimes unfairly targeting immigrants and political dissenters, leading to arrests and restrictions on civil liberties. The Red Scare reflected anxieties about losing American values and security in the face of these revolutionary threats.