The Sacco and Vanzetti Case

Bolshevik Russian Revolution

Oct 26, 1917

Bolshevik party revolutionists led by Vladimir Lenin storm the provisional government in Petrograd and overthrow it. This caused many Americans to become wary of labor unions as the primary method for which such radicals like in Russian Revolution to act. This effectively lays the ground work for the Red Scar that would sweep across America.

Boston Police Strike

Sep 9, 1919

Seeking recognition for their trade union and improvements made to wages and working hours. Many police officers in Boston went on strike. The police commissioner at the time, Edward Upton Curtis denied them the right of forming a union and refused their demands. What followed were several nights of lawlessness, so much that the State guard was called in to restore order. Curtis called the officers on strike "agents of Lenin " and has them fired and replaced.

Emma Goldman Deported

Dec 21, 1919

Emma Goldman and over 248 convicted radicals are deported under the Alien Act of 1918 and sent to Russia. Heightened the fear of communism in America

Slater and Morrill Shoe Company Armed Robbery

Apr 15, 1920

The Slater and Morrill Shoe Company is robbed by two Italian born Americans, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. They are caught and convicted of the murder of guard and paymaster during the process. Both claimed to be adhering to Anarcho-communism which advocated against the government.

Sacco and Vanzetti Indicted

Sep 14, 1920

After much debate following their charges pressed on May 5, Sacco and Vanzetti are indicted for murder. This outrages several conspirators of the two.

Wall Street Bombing

Sep 16, 1920

Less than two days after Sacco and Vanzetti are charged and indicted for the crime, several individuals upset about the outcome, detonated a bomb on Wall Street using a horse drawn carriage killing 38 people and injuring almost 200 others. Many historian claim Mario Boda, an associate of Sacco and Vanzetti, to be the one who planted the bomb

Braintree Trial

May 31, 1921

Sacco and Vanzetti face trial in Dedham Massachusetts for the braintree murders and robbery.

Sentenced

Jul 14, 1921

The jury declares Sacco and Vanzetti guilty of murder to the first degree. Protests and riots break out across the country due to this sentencing.

Goodridge Retrial Motion

Jul 22, 1921

A motion for retrial based on the credibility of witness Goodridge is presented.

Andrews Retrial Motion

Sep 11, 1922

Retrial motion based on Mrs. Lola Andrews reaction is presented.

Hamilton Retrial Motion

Apr 30, 1923

Motion for retrial based on evidence gathered by criminologist and gun expert Hamilton.

Motions for Retrial Denied

Oct 1, 1924

All pleas and calls for a new trial are denied by Judge Thayer. This causes further riots and protests.

Execution

Aug 23, 1927

Sacco and Vanzetti are put to death via electric chair. Protest continue afterwards and several bombing over the next two years.