Actions by the government to enforce patriotism as well as the Red Scare

Sample Solution

Background

The United States entered World War I in 1917, and President Woodrow Wilson led the country through the war. Wilson was a strong advocate for American intervention in the war, and he believed that it was necessary to defeat Germany in order to preserve democracy and freedom around the world.

The war had a profound impact on the United States. Over four million Americans served in the military during the war, and over 116,000 were killed. The war also led to economic hardship for many Americans, as prices rose and wages stagnated.

Full Answer Section

Fears of internal subversion and suppression of dissent

The war and the Russian Revolution raised fears of internal subversion and promoted the suppression of dissent in America. Some Americans believed that German spies and Bolshevik sympathizers were working to undermine the American government and overthrow the American way of life.

In response to these fears, the Wilson administration took a number of steps to suppress dissent. The administration passed the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, which made it illegal to interfere with the war effort or to criticize the government. The administration also established the Committee on Public Information (CPI), which was responsible for promoting pro-war propaganda and suppressing dissent.

The CPI used a variety of methods to suppress dissent. It censored the press, sponsored anti-immigrant and anti-Bolshevik propaganda campaigns, and harassed and prosecuted dissenters.

Government actions to enforce patriotism

The Wilson administration also took a number of steps to enforce patriotism. The administration promoted the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance, and it encouraged Americans to buy war bonds and to donate to war charities.

The administration also established the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), which was responsible for investigating and prosecuting suspected spies and dissenters. The BOI was led by J. Edgar Hoover, who would go on to become one of the most powerful and feared figures in the American government.

The Red Scare

The Red Scare was a period of intense anti-communism and political repression in the United States that began in 1919 and lasted until the early 1920s. The Red Scare was fueled by fears of Bolshevik revolution and internal subversion.

During the Red Scare, the Wilson administration and state and local governments took a number of steps to suppress dissent. They raided radical organizations, arrested and deported suspected communists, and blacklisted dissenters from jobs.

The Red Scare had a devastating impact on American democracy. It suppressed dissent and chilled free speech. It also led to the persecution of innocent people.

Subsequent government actions to secure America's safety

The Wilson administration took a number of subsequent actions to secure America's safety. The administration established the League of Nations, an international organization that was dedicated to preventing war. The administration also signed the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited the size of the navies of the world's major powers.

The administration also established the National Security Council, which was responsible for coordinating the national security policies of the government. The administration also created the Bureau of Veterans Affairs, which was responsible for providing services to veterans of the war.

Conclusion

The Wilson administration took a number of actions to address the challenges of America entering and becoming an important player on the world stage. The administration led the country through World War I and the post-war period, and it took steps to secure America's safety. However, the administration also suppressed dissent and violated civil liberties during the Red Scare.