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Communist Manifesto Written
Karl Marx wrote the Communist Manifesto. The book was a critique of capitalism (America's economic system). Capitalist ideas allowed the industrial revolution and consumerism to occur. Marx wrote about the injustices and inequities between the classes that owned businesses and factories and the workers. He called on the workers to rise up and overthrow capitalism. -
Bolshevik Revolution
Communist rebels led by Vladimir Lenin overthrow the Russian government to take control of the country. Lenin becomes the head of the Communist Party and controls the government as a dictator. -
Red Scare Devlops
Following the Bolshevik Revolution and many strikes and protests in America, the Red Scare developed. The Red Scare was a fear of Communist ideas taking over the United States. It also led to fear of socialists, anarchists, and other who spoke out against the government. The nation was in fear, and innocent people were jailed for expressing their views. -
May Day Riots
The Cleveland May Day Riot began when a World War I veteran took offense at the red flags being proudly waved by Communist demonstrators as they marched through town. A fight broke out, and soon enough a riot between Communist and Anti-Communist citizens ensued. The violence was only stopped after the intervention of the Army. The riots injured 100 and resulted in two deaths. -
Boston Police Strike
The majority of the Boston police force went on strike. The striking police wanted higher wages and a 50 hour work week. The general public labeled the strike a Communist decision. Backed by Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge, Police Commissioner Edwin Curtis refused to give into the striker’s demands and hired new policemen to take their place. -
Anarchists Deported
In December 1919, Emma Goldman and 248 other Communists or Anarchists were deported to Russia under the authority of the 1918 Alien Act. -
Palmer Raids
An American government agency led by Alexander Palmer and Hoover hunted suspected communists, socialists, and anarchists. Houses and businesses were searched without warrants. Also, over 3000 people were arrested without cause -
Wall Street Bombings
The bombing killed 38 people, seriously injured 148 and 500 others received minor injuries.. No group claimed responsibility for the crime. The bombing was never solved. The public blamed Communists immigrants living in America. -
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial
Despite little evidence, Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are convicted of murder in the first degree for a robbery of a shoe factory in Boston in which two men were shot and killed. The judge that did not like Italians and said so in court. Both believed that the American government oppressed the rights of average Americans. They were sentenced to death. They got the electric chair on August 23, 1927
