What was a primary cause of the Red Scare in the United States?

The primary cause of the Red Scare in the United States was the Bolshevik Revolution, which occurred in Russia in 1917. This revolution led to the establishment of a communist government and the withdrawal of Russia from World War I. The event ignited fears in the United States and other Western nations about the spread of communism. Many Americans were concerned that the ideals of Bolshevism could infiltrate the U.S. and undermine democracy and capitalism.

In the context of the Red Scare, the revolution spurred a widespread distrust of immigrants, particularly those from Eastern Europe, who were often associated with leftist ideologies. This fear was exacerbated by a series of labor strikes and social unrest in the U.S., which some attributed to radical influences. Government actions, such as the Palmer Raids, sought to suppress what was perceived as a growing threat of communism and anarchism, further fueling the atmosphere of fear that characterized the Red Scare.

Other factors, like post-World War I economic instability and the rise of fascism in Europe, contributed to a climate of fear and unrest, but the direct influence of the Bolshevik Revolution was a catalyst that shaped public perception and policy during that time. The League of