Communism vs. Capitalism

Also known as: ‘Reds’ ‘Anarchists’ ‘Radicals’

Communist

• The press is controlled by the government • Rich people should be forced to share their wealth with the poor • Factories and properties should be owned by the state.

• Voters must choose Communist candidates

Capitalist

•The press should be free to criticise the government •People earn as much (or as little) as they are able to •Factories and properties are owned by individuals and companies •Voters can vote for any party!

Communist

• The press is controlled by the government • Rich people should be forced to share their wealth with the poor • Factories and properties should be owned by the state.

• Voters must choose Communist candidates Write down what you think the

best

thing and the

worst

thing about a Communist government is.

Make sure you explain

why

you have written this.

Capitalist

• The press should be free to criticise the government • People earn as much (or as little) as they are able to • Factories and properties are owned by individuals and companies • Voters can vote for any party!

Write down what you think the

best

thing and the

worst

thing about a Capitalist government is.

Make sure you explain

why

you have written this.

Why fear Communists?

• After WWI there was a revolution in Russia and

Communists

seized power. Americans were worried that this could • After the war, there were

strikes

about a Communist revolution?

in some industries, when workers complained about low wages and poor conditions. Americans blamed communists.

• Americans thought Communists would ruin their way of life.

Red/Anarchist – nickname for a Communist

In 1919, Mitchell Palmer was Attorney General of the US.

Palmer had a list of 62 people who he thought were dangerous to the USA. He accused them of being Communists Why would Americans feel threatened by Communism? Explain your answer.

Palmer was convinced that Communists from Russia were planning to overthrow the American government.

When 38 bombs were sent to the American government and an Italian anarchist blew himself up outside Palmer’s home, Palmer decided to act.

He launched a campaign, with J. Edgar Hoover against

all

radicals and anarchists.

On 7th November, 1919, the second anniversary of the Russian Revolution, over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists were arrested. Palmer and Hoover found no evidence of a revolution but a large number of these suspects were held without trial for a long time. Most were eventually released but Emma Goldman, Alexander Berkman, Mollie Steimer, and 245 other people, were deported to Russia.

Palmer Raids

In January, 1920, another 6,000 were arrested and held without trial. These raids took place in several cities and became known as the Palmer Raids . Even though Palmer and Hoover found no evidence of a revolution, Palmer announced that the Communist revolution was likely to take place on 1st May.

Mass panic took place over America!

When the May Day revolution didn’t happen, attitudes towards Palmer began to change and he was criticised for disregarding people's basic civil liberties. Some of his opponents claimed that Palmer had devised this Red Scare to help him become the Democratic presidential candidate in 1920

Use ALL these words to help you write a paragraph about the Palmer Raids Mitchell Palmer Attorney General 62 Communist bomb Hoover Arrested Emma Goldman Palmer Raids – Jan 1920 May 1 st Civil liberties