1919 United States anarchist bombings

The 1919 United States anarchist bombings were a series of coordinated attacks carried out by anarchists on June 2, 1919….

By Staff , in Historical Events in the USA , at July 1, 2024 Tags: 1919, terrorism, usa

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The 1919 United States anarchist bombings were a series of coordinated attacks carried out by anarchists on June 2, 1919. These bombings targeted eight different American cities and were part of a larger wave of political violence that included an earlier mail bomb campaign in April of the same year. The events were significant in the context of the post-World War I Red Scare, a period marked by intense fear of radicalism and communism in the United States. Here are the key details about the 1919 bombings:

Background
Italian Anarchists: The bombings were orchestrated by followers of Luigi Galleani, an Italian anarchist who advocated for violent revolution. Galleani and his followers, known as Galleanists, were involved in numerous acts of violence and bombings during this period.
Previous Campaign: In April 1919, a wave of mail bombs was sent to prominent figures, including politicians and business leaders. Though many were intercepted, a few exploded, causing injuries.

The Bombings
Date: June 2, 1919
Cities Targeted: The bombings occurred in eight cities: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Paterson (New Jersey), and Newtonville (Massachusetts).
Targets: The bombs were placed at the homes of government officials, judges, and other public figures. Notable targets included:
Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer: His home in Washington D.C. was significantly damaged.
Judge Charles C. Nott: The explosion at his New York home killed a night watchman.
John D. Rockefeller: Though not directly targeted in this specific wave, he was a frequent target of anarchist threats.

Method
Explosives: The bombs were powerful and designed to cause maximum damage. They were delivered in packages and placed at the targets’ residences.
Coordination: The bombings were carefully timed to occur simultaneously, demonstrating a high level of organization among the anarchists.

Aftermath and Impact
Casualties and Damage: While the bombings caused significant property damage and a few injuries, the number of fatalities was relatively low.
Red Scare: The bombings intensified the existing fear of radicalism and contributed to the Red Scare. The public and government response was swift and severe.
Palmer Raids: Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer launched a series of raids known as the Palmer Raids, targeting suspected radicals and anarchists. Thousands were arrested, and many immigrants were deported.
Legislation: The bombings and subsequent fears led to the passage of stricter immigration laws and increased surveillance of radical groups.