The Red Scare and Labor Activism

Flashcards reviewing the Red Scare, labor movements, and social changes in the early 20th century.

How did the Red Scare affect labor activism in America?

Negative views concerning communism expanded in America to taint anyone involved in labor activism.

Who were the groups suspected of being communists during the Red Scare?

Radical groups, dissenters, pacifists, and Reds, suspected of being communists.

What action did the Justice Department take against the IWW in 1917?

The Justice Department staged simultaneous raids of IWW halls across the country.

What did the Deportation Act of 1918 do?

Enabled the Attorney General to attack foreigners believed to be radicals, socialists and communists.

What characterized the raids conducted during the Red Scare?

Raids where suspects were arrested and roughly treated, and their homes unlawfully invaded.

Who was Thomas W. Hardwick?

Republican Senator whose maid lost both hands opening a bomb package addressed to him, leading to intensified persecution of radicals.

Who were among the most central and visible victims of the Red Scare?

Immigrants

What was the NCOISW?

24 trade unions formed the National Committee for Organizing Iron and Steel Workers.

What did the NCOISW agitate for?

Reduced hours and higher wages.

What were the demands put together by NCOISW with the help of John Fitzpatrick?

Right to collective bargaining, reinstatement of discharged men, 8-hour work day, one day's rest a week, abolition of 24-hour shift, double pay for overtime.

How did the NY Tribune describe the Great Steel Strike of 1919?

The struggle was ‘another experiment in the way of Bolshevising American industry.

What restrictions were put in place in Gary, Indiana under martial law?

No assembly in the city’s streets or parks; no carrying firearms.

What was the outcome of the Great Steel Strike for the workers?

They did not get a single concession.

Who were prominent progressives that formed the Provincetown Players?

Hutchins Hapgood, Neith Boyce, John Reed, Mabel Dodge, George C. Cook, Eugene O’Neill, Louise Bryant

What was the primary object of the Provincetown Players (PP)?

To encourage the writing of American plays of real artistic, literary, and dramatic merit.

Besides being a socialist, what else did Emma Goldman attack?

Attacked the institution of marriage and Christianity.