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The Red Scare and Xenophobia. The Roaring 20’s. The Russian Revolution (1917-1918). Before the Russian Revolution. Prior to the Revolution, Russia was ruled by Czar Nicholas II (ruled 1894 - 1917) During his reign Russia was involved in two wars.
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The Red Scare and Xenophobia The Roaring 20’s
Before the Russian Revolution • Prior to the Revolution, Russia was ruled by Czar Nicholas II (ruled 1894 - 1917) • During his reign Russia was involved in two wars. • Following World War I Russia had experience a massive loss of human life and territory – people were very angry and upset with the Czar
Before the Russian Revolution • During World War I food supplies were low, unemployment and inflation were high in Russia • Fed up with their circumstances workers, peasants, and soldiers joined together to overthrow the Czar
The Revolution • Two Revolutions took place during 1917 • During the March Revolution Czar Nicholas II is forced to abdicate the throne • Abdicate = forced to give up one’s throne • A provisional government is put in place • Provisional = temporary
Rise of the Bolsheviks • With the provisional government in place, the Bolsheviks under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin take over the Russian government in the second revolution known as the October Revolution (1917) Bolsheviks = Communists • Vladimir Lenin assumes power and establishes the Soviet Union • Also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
What is communism? • Communism is an economic and political system • The primary aim of communism is to establish a classless and stateless society • Common ownership of public goods • Communism was a political theory developed by Karl Marx in his book, The Communist Manifesto
How is communism not compatible with American ideals of capitalism and democracy?
The First American Red Scare • The First American Red Scare (1919-1920) occurred in America following a series of bombings aimed towards politicians and business leaders • Following the Russian Revolution there was an ever growing fear of Bolshevism and anarchists in American society
Xenophobia • Americans were afraid of a communist uprising • People were frightened that immigrants arriving in American (particularly those from Russia) might start a communist revolution • This fear towards immigrants becomes known as xenophobia