WW1 - Socialism, 'Red Scares' and fear of revolution. Flashcards
What happened in october-november 1917?
The Bolsheviks seize power in Russia and proclaim beginning of communist world revolution.
What happened in 1918-1919?
Communist revolutions broke out in Berlin, Munich, and Hungary and this fear spread into the US with the immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe.
What did this fear of communism lead to?
The Red Scare, an intense backlash against all kinds of ‘socialism’ and revolution.
What else did fear of revolution include?
- anarchists who carried out acts of terrorism
- pacifists opposing war on moral grounds
- people joining the US communist party
- militant trade unions (IWW).
Which group of immigrants were Americans particularly suspicious of?
German Americans (suspected of supporting the enemy) and recent immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe (suspected of being anarchists or ’subversives’.
Describe how the end of the war led to industrial unrest and social upheaval.
Rapid demobilisation of armed forces caused problems in job markets and rise in trade union militancy.
How many workers took place in the strikes of 1919?
More than 4 million workers.
Describe the Seattle strikes
60,000 workers joined the general strike led by IWW in feb 1919.
Describe the Boston Police Strike in September 1919
75% of the police officers, mostly Irish Americans, went on strike; one of their demands was the right to join a trade union, the AFL.
Describe the strike in Pittsburgh and Chicago.
There was a ‘Great Steel Strike’ against US steel that began in September 1919 and lasted 3 months.
When did the strikes lead to violence?
When efforts by business and government were made to counter strikes.
How did US Steel react to the Great Steel Strike?
US Steel cracked down hard on the Great Steel Strike and almost destroyed the AFL.
Describe how violent things got with the strikes.
6 strikers killed in a ‘massacre’ - intensified by disturbances caused by racial tensions. More than 20 race riots in 1919, most in Chicago.
What did Calvin Coolidge become popular for?
Breaking the Boston Police Strike.
What did Coolidges actions help him with?
They helped him to become the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 1920.
