A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What was one of the primary reasons for the heightened paranoia during the Red Scare of 1919/20?

1. Increased immigration from Europe

2. Russian Revolution

3. Economic prosperity in the U.S.

4. Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe

The correct answer is: Russian Revolution

The heightened paranoia during the Red Scare of 1919/20 can primarily be attributed to the Russian Revolution. This event, which resulted in the Bolshevik Party seizing control of Russia in 1917, initiated widespread fears in the United States about the potential spread of communism and anarchism. Many Americans believed that the revolutionary ideas espoused by the Bolsheviks could inspire similar movements in the U.S., leading to instability and a threat to the established democratic and capitalist systems. The revolution occurred against a backdrop of social unrest and labor strikes within the U.S., which further intensified concerns over potential radical uprisings. While increased immigration from Europe may have contributed to fears of radical ideologies, it was the direct connection to the global spread of communism following the Russian Revolution that was most significant in shaping the public's perception of imminent danger during this period. Economic prosperity, on the other hand, often serves as a stabilizing factor, and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe did not play a significant role in fostering concerns related to communist threats.