RED SCARE Meaning and
Definition
-
The "red scare" refers to a period of intense fear and paranoia regarding the perceived threat of communism in the United States, particularly during the early 20th century. This term commonly describes two distinct periods of heightened anti-communist sentiment: the First Red Scare (1917-1920) and the Second Red Scare (1947-1957).
During the First Red Scare, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, there was widespread concern and suspicion regarding the potential spread of communism and radical leftist ideologies. The fear was fueled by labor strikes and bombings, as well as the existence of and contact with socialist and anarchist groups. The government, media, and public figures often propagated the idea that Bolsheviks and other left-wing radicals were plotting to overthrow the American government.
The Second Red Scare emerged after World War II, with fear escalating due to the Cold War and the rise of Soviet influence. Senator Joseph McCarthy played a significant role in intensifying this fear by accusing numerous individuals in government, Hollywood, and other spheres of society of being communist sympathizers or spies. The era was marked by extensive investigations, Congressional hearings, blacklisting of alleged communists, and the imposition of loyalty oaths.
Both red scares resulted in an atmosphere of suspicion, political persecution, and the suppression of civil liberties. It is worth noting that these periods were characterized by the conflation of socialist, communist, and anarchist ideologies, often simplifying complex political beliefs. The red scare phenomena have had a long-lasting impact on U.S. society, shaping politics, culture, and public opinion regarding radical ideologies and dissent.
Common Misspellings for RED SCARE
- eed scare
- ded scare
- fed scare
- ted scare
- 5ed scare
- 4ed scare
- rwd scare
- rsd scare
- rdd scare
- rrd scare
- r4d scare
- r3d scare
- res scare
- rex scare
- rec scare
- ref scare
- rer scare
- ree scare
- red acare
Etymology of RED SCARE
The word "red scare" originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Its etymology comes from two primary sources: the color red, which historically symbolized communism, and the term "scare", which refers to a state of fear or alarm.
The first usage of "red scare" dates back to the early 1900s during the First World War and the subsequent Russian Revolution. The Bolsheviks, the communist faction in Russia, came to power in 1917, establishing the world's first socialist state. In response, many Western countries, including the United States, became fearful of spreading communist ideologies and revolutions. This fear of communism led to widespread suspicion and paranoia towards supposed communist sympathizers or subversive elements within society, especially during times of political unrest, labor strikes, or radical social movements.
Similar spelling words for RED SCARE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
