Rising Fear of Immigrants Flashcards
Why were Americans fearful of immigrants?
- some saw immigrants as the enemy who brought ‘un-American’ ideas into the country
- Americans were concerned that a communist revolution could occur in their country
- anarchists were also feared by Americans (people who believe countries should not be ruled by organised governments, but by a system where everyone rules themselves through voluntary cooperation)
What were the ‘Palmer Raids’?
In July 1919, a bomb destroyed the house of Alexander Mitchell Palmer (the man in charge of the USA’s law and police). A communist newspaper was found next to the body of the suicide bomber. Later that year, a bomber blew up 30 people in New York.
How many suspected communists were arrested during the Palmer Raids?
Around 6000 across 33 cities
What was the Red Scare?
A time in 1920s America when fears of communism were high
What was the case of Sacco and Vanzetti?
Sacco and Vanzetti were Italian-born immigrant anarchists who were charged with robbing a shoe factory and murdering two staff in April 1920. Their 45-day trial began in May 1921. There were doubts about the evidence against them. Judge Webster Thayer said that Vanzetti ‘may not actually have committed the crime but he is morally to blame because he is our enemy’. The pair said they were innocent. It was argued that they didn’t understand what was going on because they spoke poor English. There was no conclusive evidence, but he jury found them guilty and sentenced them to death.
What was the impact of the case of Sacco and Vanzetti?
- the trial was reported all over the world and there were huge demonstrations against the verdict
- protestors said the trial was unfair and the two men were found guilty as much for their race and their anarchist ideas as for their actions
- despite years of protests and appeals, the two men were executed by electric chair on 23 August 1927
