Stuff You Missed in History Class: SYMHC Classics - Palmer Raids Pt. 1

Release Date: May 24, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction and Historical Context

In the premiere episode of the "Stuff You Missed in History Class" classics series, Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into the tumultuous period following World War I in the United States. The nation was grappling with significant social unrest characterized by economic instability, rampant inflation, unemployment, labor strikes, and widespread fear of radical political movements inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.

Tracy sets the stage by highlighting the pervasive anxiety of the era:

"The US was in a state of feeling helpless and uncertain and uneasy all the time."
(04:05)

This environment of fear and uncertainty set the groundwork for the events surrounding the Palmer Raids, a controversial series of law enforcement actions aimed at combating perceived radical threats.

The Sedition Act of 1918

A critical legal backdrop to the Palmer Raids was the Sedition Act of 1918, an expansion of the Espionage Act of 1917. This legislation intensified the government's ability to suppress dissent by criminalizing:

• Making false statements that hindered the war effort.
• Insulting or abusing the U.S. Government or its symbols.
• Agitating against war material production.
• Defending actions deemed illegal by the act.

Tracy emphasizes the severity of the law:

"If anyone was found guilty of the crimes described, they could be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for 20 years."
(06:32)

This act provided the legal framework that Palmer would later exploit to justify aggressive actions against suspected radicals.

The Discovery of the Mail Bombs

The episode takes a dramatic turn with the recounting of a chilling event in April 1919. Charles Kaplan, a diligent postal clerk in New York City's main post office, intercepted 16 suspicious parcels labeled as "novelty samples" from Gimbel Brothers. His suspicions were confirmed when one such parcel exploded upon delivery to former U.S. Senator Thomas Hardwick in Atlanta, injuring Hardwick's maid and causing significant property damage.

Holly narrates Kaplan's frantic response:

"Kaplan immediately exited the train. He jumped off at the next stop and he ran back to the post office..."
(07:38)

This incident, later dubbed the Mayday Bomb Plot, ignited a nationwide panic about a potential radical conspiracy.

The Mayday Bomb Plot

The aftermath of the Hardwick bomb led to the discovery of more explosive devices across the country. Authorities identified three dozen mail bombs aimed at prominent figures, including businessmen, politicians, and judges. These devices were meticulously constructed with identical materials and unconventional typewriter signatures, indicating a coordinated effort.

Tracy outlines the extent of the bomb discoveries:

"In total, three dozen mail bombs were eventually found and identified."
(09:03)

The flyers accompanying the bombs bore a manifesto titled "Plain Words," which fervently declared:

"Long live social revolution. Down with tyranny. Signed, the Anarchist Fighters."
(22:04)

This manifesto underscored the perpetrators' ideological motivations and their intent to incite class warfare.

Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer: The Fighting Quaker

Central to the government's response was Attorney General Alexander Mitchell Palmer, a charismatic figure with a strong anti-radical stance. Originally appointed in March 1919, Palmer sought to establish himself as a formidable opponent to perceived communist threats.

Tracy provides Palmer's background:

"Palmer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1905... He was instrumental in securing the 1912 Democratic presidential nomination for Woodrow Wilson."
(16:39)

Palmer earned the moniker "the Fighting Quaker" due to his fervent crackdown on radicals, despite his Quaker upbringing advocating for peace.

Initial Bombings and Public Reaction

The discovery of the mail bombs triggered a media frenzy and heightened public fear. A New York Times headline proclaimed:

"There are more than 2,000 radical agitators in New York City who have been preaching Bolshevism and the overthrow of the United States government."
(15:05)

Palmer leveraged this panic to justify aggressive investigations and raids targeting suspected radicals, laying the foundation for what would become known as the Palmer Raids.

Tracy underscores the intensity of the public's apprehension:

"Palmer was utterly convinced that there was a Communist plot to overthrow the US Government and that there were tens of thousands of people in the US working to that end."
(32:49)

Rising Fear and the Perception of a Communist Threat

The Palmer Raids were not merely about identifying bombers but extended to a broad sweep against anyone suspected of radical leanings. Under Palmer's directive, spearheaded by J. Edgar Hoover and in collaboration with the FBI and Immigration Bureau, thousands were arrested, and many were deported without due process.

Holly reflects on the societal impact:

"There's a lot of fear that there are communists literally lurking everywhere in your neighborhoods, trying to slowly overtake the entire US Way of life."
(33:00)

This heightened fear set the stage for unparalleled government overreach and violations of civil liberties during the Red Scare.

Looking Ahead

As Part 1 concludes, Holly and Tracy hint at deeper explorations into the methodologies and consequences of the Palmer Raids in the upcoming episodes. They emphasize the lasting impact these events had on American society and the legal system, drawing parallels to later events like the McCarthy era.

"The Palmer Raids are one of those points in history that does not often get a lot of attention."
(33:55)

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the balance between national security and individual freedoms, a theme that remains relevant today.

Notable Quotes

• "The US was in a state of feeling helpless and uncertain and uneasy all the time."
  — Tracy B. Wilson (04:05)

• "If anyone was found guilty of the crimes described, they could be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for 20 years."
  — Tracy B. Wilson (06:32)

• "Kaplan immediately exited the train. He jumped off at the next stop and he ran back to the post office..."
  — Holly Fry (07:38)

• "Long live social revolution. Down with tyranny. Signed, the Anarchist Fighters."
  — Plain Words Manifesto (22:04)

• "Palmer was utterly convinced that there was a Communist plot to overthrow the US Government and that there were tens of thousands of people in the US working to that end."
  — Tracy B. Wilson (32:49)

• "There's a lot of fear that there are communists literally lurking everywhere in your neighborhoods, trying to slowly overtake the entire US Way of life."
  — Holly Fry (33:00)

Conclusion

Part 1 of the Palmer Raids series provides a comprehensive look into a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of American history. Through meticulous research and engaging narration, Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson shed light on the events that fueled one of the most aggressive crackdowns on civil liberties in the early 20th century. As listeners await Part 2, the episode serves as a compelling reminder of the delicate balance between safeguarding the nation and preserving the freedoms that define it.

For those interested in further exploring this topic, stay tuned for the next installment of the Palmer Raids series, where Holly and Tracy will examine the federal response and the broader implications of Palmer's actions.