FRQ- What fears did Americans have after the Great War and how were these manifested? FRQ- What fears did Americans have after the Great War and how were these manifested? What fears did Americans have after the Great War and how were these manifested?

            Instead of feeling of secure after the First Great War, America plunged into a state of hysteria and fear. Job issues, the Red Scare, and racial riots were the causes of the terror felt by many Americans. This was shown through many outlets, such as strikes, riots, and even small-scale warfare. The domestic tension built up during the Great War was finally shattered during the post-war period and led many Americans to act out of character.

            After the Great War, workers sought to gain back the purchasing power they had lost due to inflation. There was also a shortage of jobs as returning veterans began to demand more jobs. Inflation and other policies kept wages low, while certain jobs required workers to continue working long hours. Simultaneously, employers tried to stop and reverse the wartime advancements that labor unions had made. As tensions rose, many workers feared that the conditions would not improve. In 1919 alone, there were over 4 million workers that went on strike. By August 1919, 400,000 Eastern/Midwestern coal miners, 120,000 New England textile workers, and 50,000 New York gardeners walked out. The fact that many of these strikes were headed by union members of Russian and Eastern European background fueled the American public’s fear that they were radicals trying to over throw the government. As a result, the public began resenting and opposing the strikes. Two instances in which public fear of strikes ended up causing the failure of the strike was the when the policemen in Boston went on strike, and when the steelworkers of the Midwest went on strike. After the Boston policemen walked out, there was public outcry. Who was going to protect the city? When will there be a police force again? The public’s fear was fueled by the rioting and looting that ensued. When 300,000 steelworkers in the Midwest went on strike, it was the cunning of the industry leaders that ended up suppressing the strike. They used propaganda to shift public opinion against the strike leaders, who were portrayed as dangerous radicals that sought to end democracy and freedom. Once again, the public’s fear flared; the lack of public support led to the strike’s collapse. The fear felt by workers and the public led them to act differently, especially regarding strikes.

            The Red Scare and radicalism fears shook America to its core. Similar to how dissent was repressed during the Great War by the sedition laws, radicalism was quelled post-Great War. In response to the panic, the American Legion was formed. The Legion took upon itself to identify seditious individuals and groups. Thirty-three states also passed sedition laws to punish revolution advocates. Americanization campaigns were launched by public and private institutions; anything un-American was to be squashed and those caught showing anti-American points of views were to be “corrected” and made into loyal citizens. Even radical professors at colleges were fired from their posts. The IWW campaigners also experienced harsh violence as vigilante groups attacked them. The government got involved by passing anti-immigration laws to keep out foreigners, who they believed were the cause of so much radicalism. Attorney General Palmer launched what was known as the Palmer Raids. Although it was unsuccessful, as many as 600 captives of the raids were deported. Overall, there was a general sense of intolerance for criticism towards the government, as they were viewed as anarchist and revolutionary.

            Blacks in post-Great War America were especially treated with hostility. Stressed from work, the poor wages, and the crowded living conditions, the white citizens of America were in no mood to deal with blacks. The blacks on the other hand, having just risked their lives for their country, expected to return home heroes and treated as equal citizens. When whites did not give them this, pressure rose, and all tension snapped during the racial riots. Chicago was one of the most infamous battle grounds, as whites and blacks fought throughout the summer of 1919, leaving 120 dead. Afterwards, the blacks feared that they would never obtain first-class citizen status. In response to this fear, Marcus Garvey led a movement symbolized by Black Nationalism. He told blacks everywhere to respect their own, rich culture. He also advocated for separatism and self-sufficiency among the black community. The fear that the blacks once had was now turned into an overwhelming sense of Black Nationalism. Garvey also founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). It’s widely circulated newspapers and ocean vessels carrying UNIA flags brought about increased Black Nationalism and pride. Although the UNIA ended up dissolving, Black Nationalism would live on.

            The hostility of the era led many Americans to show their darker sides. This was demonstrated through the increased hostility shown against foreigners, through raids and other means of violence. Usually supportive of strikes, the general public was swayed by the propaganda to fear the strikes caused by workers. Black Nationalism was also a direct consequence of the black’s fear that they would never obtain first-class citizen treatment. The tension eventually alleviated as America fell into a depression, and upon coming out of it, had to gear up for the second Great War.