- The cause of the Red Scare was initially the Bolshevik Revolution. Many immigrants left Russia, and Americans feared communists would try to overthrow the government. Essentially, people were afraid of communism and reacted rashly.
- The Red Scare arguably started around the 1920s, but exploded between the 1940s and 50s, lasting until the end of the Cold War. It was US hysteria over communism, in which communists were often referred to as “Reds,” in regards to their allegiance to red Soviet Union flag. It involved Americans and perceived Soviets/communists and was an at-home occurrence in America. The KKK had early, heavy involvement. Suspected communists (many were accused, but only .1% of the American population was made of anarchists) were subject to harassment, violence, and severe suspicion targeted at them.
- The Red Scare’s legacy was one of unconstitutionality and violence. Suspected communists were placed under extreme scrutiny and often were ostracized. Intolerance was one of the biggest consequences on US culture, and hundreds of people were even deported. Everyday culture was influenced because iconic figures, one of which was even Albert Einstein, were subject to questioning and harassment. Large cultural icons were placed under the public eye. Not to mention, less central figures, (ie, Average Joe) were often fired from their professions or lost all credibility once accused. In terms of international relations, the Red Scare ultimately manipulated public opinion towards socialist countries. This led to racism, fear of immigration, and prejudice against the Bolsheviks. The Red Scare still holds an impact in modern society. Anti-communist sentiment is still ever present. Not to mention, many of the practices or prejudice against suspected communist now are directed towards other groups in American culture. The Red Scare left a “legacy” of defamation and violation of the Constitution that is still often practiced in modern America. Due to American hysteria of a nuclear war, the effects of the Red Scare led to a stronger initiative for America to participate the in the Cold War. The fear of Communism led Americans to fight in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and support war efforts involving the arms race