Palmer Raids and the Red Scare

The Palmer Raids, conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, targeted radicals, communists, and immigrants in the United States. The raids were led by General A. Mitchell Palmer in response to social unrest and fear in American society after World War I. Several thousand people were arrested, accused of crimes, and sometimes deported. Those considered to be anarchists, communists, or anti-government were targeted. Often times the government went after labor unions and intellectuals in American society. The raids represent a reaction derived from fear and often led to the attack of innocent people for simply disagreeing with democratic or American ideals. The Palmer Raids are situated within the 1920s Red Scare epidemic in the United States. After WWI, due to unemployment and inflation, workers began to strike. Racism against African Americans and immigrants often led to riots and violent acts. With American society unstable, the U.S. government and ordinary citizens feared a communist takeover. The successful 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Russia fueled the idea that a communist revolt could indeed happen anywhere. The Palmer Raids and other attacks on immigrants was an increased attempt to rid America of communists and radicals.