Key Concepts in Early 20th Century Political and Social Movements

Socialism

An economic system that emerged in response to the Industrial Revolution and the inequalities it caused between workers and factory owners.

Communism

A political ideology that calls for violent revolution to abolish class and private property.

The Communist Manifesto

A political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848.

Autocracy

A government where one ruler (the Tsar in Russia) has absolute power without checks or balances.

February Revolution of 1917

An event triggered by bread shortages and protests led by women and workers in Petrograd.

Outcome of the February Revolution

Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending 300 years of Romanov rule, and a Provisional Government was formed.

Bolsheviks' slogan

"Bread, Land, Peace."

October Revolution (1917)

An event where the Bolsheviks seized power, creating the world's first communist state.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918)

A treaty where Russia withdrew from World War I, losing territory to Germany.

U.S. entry into World War I

Triggered by Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram to Mexico.

President Wilson's goal for entering WWI

To "Make the world safe for democracy."

U.S. soldiers in WWI

Nicknamed "Doughboys."

Meuse-Argonne Offensive

The largest battle in American history during WWI.

Espionage Act (1917)

A law prohibiting interference with the war effort and banning "treasonable" material.

Sedition Act (1918)

A law making it illegal to criticize the government or support Germany during wartime.

Eugene Debs

A socialist leader jailed in 1918 for giving an anti-war speech in Ohio.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

A plan for lasting peace that proposed the League of Nations and self-determination.

U.S. rejection of the Treaty of Versailles

Many senators opposed joining the League of Nations and preferred isolationism.

Red Scare of 1919-1920

A period of fear that communism from Russia would spread to the U.S. through immigrants and labor unrest.

Palmer Raids

Government raids arresting suspected radicals and communists during the Red Scare.

J. Edgar Hoover

Led the "Radical Division" of the Bureau of Investigation during the Red Scare.