- General Strikes: In 1919, Seattle witnessed the first general strike in American history, where several unions joined forces and brought essential services to a standstill. Similar industrial actions occurred across the country demanding improved working conditions and wages.
- Coal Miners’ Strike: In 1919 and 1922, over half a million coal miners went on strike, seeking increased pay and improved working hours. The large-scale strikes reflected a deepening discontent within the working class.
- Bombings: Between 1919 and 1920, a series of bombings targeting political and business leaders, as well as anarchists and labor organizers, occurred in various cities across the United States. These acts of violence created a sense of unease and fear among the public.
Radicalism in the Labor Movement:
- Increased Union Membership: The labor movement experienced significant growth during and after World War I. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical labor union, saw its membership surge as many workers sought collective action and radical solutions to economic problems.
- Red Scare: The spread of radical ideas and the growth of the IWW sparked fears and anxiety among the public, leading to a period known as the Red Scare. The government conducted extensive surveillance and suppression of suspected radicals and communists, often violating civil liberties.
Foreign Influence and Perception:
- Russian Revolution: The success of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 sparked a wave of excitement and hope among some radical groups in America. The overthrow of the Russian czar and the establishment of a communist regime inspired calls for similar actions in the United States.
- Immigration: Eastern European immigrants, many fleeing political persecution and seeking economic opportunities, brought with them leftist ideas and radical political views, contributing to the perceptions that bolshevism was taking hold in America.
It's important to note that the spread of bolshevism in America during that time was exaggerated by media sensationalism and political propaganda, and the scale and impact of communist influence have been debated by historians.