From A. Mitchell Palmer to Joe McCarthy: Police Brutality in the Fight Against Communism

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterCommunication

Abstract

This chapter discusses the police brutality is defined as the use of excessive force against demonstrations and public meetings; the use of violence and vandalism during arrests and searches and seizures; mistreatment during imprisonment; holding the prisoners incommunicado; and the threat of or use of violence during interrogations in order to force a confession. The period from the Red Scare to the era of McCarthyism was characterized by a pronounced current of anti-communism in the United States. A powerful anticommunist movement lobbied the authorities to repress communist activities. Police forces had been engaged with radicals for more than 30 years before the Red Scare. The starting point for this story might be dated to the Haymarket Riot on May 4, 1886, in Chicago. On the night of January 2, 1920, BI agents assisted by local police carried out nationwide raids against the meeting places of the Communist Party and the Communist Labor Party.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge History of Police Brutality in America
EditorsThomas Aiello
Number of pages12
Place of PublicationNew York & London
PublisherRoutledge
Publication date2023
Pages196-207
Chapter15
ISBN (Electronic)9781003109969
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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