ΦΚΦ | Phi Kappa Phi: Love of Learning Panel
American Bolsheviki: The Beginnings of the First Red Scare, 1917 to 1918
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
History
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Marjorie Hilton
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Most historians treat the First Red Scare of 1919 to 1920 in the United States as an isolated event from World War I, making it seem as if American fears of Bolshevism formed rapidly in the early months of 1919. However, in the period immediately following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and throughout 1918, fear and hatred of Bolsheviks and Bolshevism already emerged in both the American press and government. Thus, even prior to the First Red Scare, Bolsheviks came to be perceived as disloyal and subversive to the United States and Socialists and Industrial Worker of the World members were accused of Bolshevik related activity. This paper focuses on how American perceptions of Bolshevism during 1917 and 1918 influenced and helped lead to the First Red Scare period. Ultimately, this research will also help show the connections between World War I and the First Red Scare.
Spring Scholars Week 2018 Event
Phi Kappa Phi: Love of Learning Panel
American Bolsheviki: The Beginnings of the First Red Scare, 1917 to 1918
Most historians treat the First Red Scare of 1919 to 1920 in the United States as an isolated event from World War I, making it seem as if American fears of Bolshevism formed rapidly in the early months of 1919. However, in the period immediately following the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 and throughout 1918, fear and hatred of Bolsheviks and Bolshevism already emerged in both the American press and government. Thus, even prior to the First Red Scare, Bolsheviks came to be perceived as disloyal and subversive to the United States and Socialists and Industrial Worker of the World members were accused of Bolshevik related activity. This paper focuses on how American perceptions of Bolshevism during 1917 and 1918 influenced and helped lead to the First Red Scare period. Ultimately, this research will also help show the connections between World War I and the First Red Scare.