Question

Attorney-General A. Mitchell Palmer conducted a series of raids.The most spectacular of the "Palmer raids" occurred inJanuary 1920.

–"Start-up of the Department and World War I,
1913-1921," U.S. Department of Labor, (accessed November 21, 2013).
What was the primary reason for the raids described in this excerpt?

A) To enforce immigration laws.
B) To combat organized crime.
C) To suppress political dissent and perceived threats during the Red Scare.
D) To investigate labor disputes.

Answer 1

The Palmer Raids were primarily conducted to suppress political dissent during the Red Scare, as the government targeted suspected radicals over fears of Communism and Socialism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason for the Palmer Raids conducted by Attorney-General A. Mitchell Palmer was C) To suppress political dissent and perceived threats during the Red Scare. These raids targeted suspected labor organizers, leftists, and political dissidents, largely in response to fears of Communism, Socialism, and Anarchism spreading in the United States after World War I. The government's actions included controversial surveillance tactics and mass arrests, often without due process, leading to the arrest of thousands of alleged radicals, with some being deported.

The aggressive actions by Palmer and his assistant J. Edgar Hoover during this time sent shockwaves through the nation and contributed to heightening public fear of anarchy and radicalism. The term Red Scare encapsulates the period of intense anti-communist sentiment, leading to the suppression of political freedom under the guise of protecting national security. Over time, the public increasingly viewed Palmer's actions with suspicion, aiding in his discreditation when the alleged revolutionary plots did not materialize.