What was Palmer's reign of terror?

Answer 1

A. Mitchell Palmer, President Wilson's Attorney-General tried to take political advantage of what was called "The Red Scare" beginning in 1919. There was a feeling in the United States that communists were trying to infiltrate government and state and local organizations, like labor unions. Palmer ordered a series of raids on various suspected communist headquarters. Hundreds of immigrants and suspected communists were rounded up for deportation. It was discovered that only 39 of the suspects could actually be deported under US law, as the others were doing nothing illegal. Regardless, the Attorney-General deported over 200 suspected communists to Russia on a steamship called "the Soviet Ark." On New Years Day, 1920, 6,000 people were arrested in Palmer Raids. Some were simply bystanders, but almost all served some time in jail. Palmer's attempt to ride the anti-communist fear into the White House fizzled, and the "Red Scare" came to an end when predicted May Day demonstrations throughout the nation never materialized. It was an example of public hysteria leading to government activity, much of which would be illegal today. MrV