A Level History - America - Practice Exam

The attorney general who led a response to perceived anarchist threats following World War I was Mitchell Palmer. His actions were particularly significant during the Red Scare of 1919-1920, a period characterized by widespread fear of communism and anarchism in the United States after the Russian Revolution. Palmer initiated a series of raids known as the Palmer Raids, which targeted radical leftists and anarchists suspected of plotting to overthrow the government. These raids resulted in thousands of arrests and deportations, as Palmer sought to protect national security and combat the perceived threat of these groups.

Mitchell Palmer's proactive stance and use of federal resources to address these concerns made him a prominent figure during this tumultuous time in American history, embodying the government's response to dissent in the wake of global unrest and domestic turmoil. His actions are often viewed within the context of civil liberties debates, as many individuals were detained without proper legal due process during the raids.