Stuff You Missed in History Class: Palmer Raids Pt. 2

Episode Overview:
In the second part of their deep dive into the Palmer Raids, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson explore the aftermath of the initial raids, detailing the widespread arrests, deplorable treatment of detainees, public backlash, and the eventual decline of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer’s controversial campaign against perceived radicals in post-World War I America.

Introduction to the Palmer Raids Pt. 2

Holly Fry ([02:21]) kicks off the episode by addressing their listeners’ request to continue the discussion on the Palmer Raids. She recaps Part 1, emphasizing the climate of fear and unrest in the United States following World War I, and Palmer’s mission to eliminate what he perceived as revolutionary threats.

“While there were some legitimate concerning events that happened, this quickly spread and became about one man's hunt to basically get rid of as many immigrants as he could.” – Holly Fry ([03:08])

The November 1919 Raids: Scope and Execution

The hosts delve into the specifics of the raids that commenced on November 7, 1919, across twelve cities. They highlight the aggressive tactics employed by Palmer’s forces, often targeting entire buildings indiscriminately.

Tracy B. Wilson ([04:11]) explains:

“Starting on November 7, 1919, two years after Russia's Bolshevik Revolution, locations in 12 different cities and towns were raided. Palmers assembled forces in a coordinated effort.”

One notable instance was the raid on the Russian People’s House in New York City, where agents not only sought specific suspects but also unleashed violence on everyone present.

“Furniture and property were destroyed and students from classrooms were violently herded into stairwells and in many cases shoved so that they fell downstairs. Several hundred people in total were beaten with blackjacks and stair rails.” – Tracy B. Wilson ([04:39])

Treatment of Detainees: Inhumane Conditions

The aftermath of these raids saw the detention of hundreds, with only a fraction being held. The majority faced severe physical abuse, leading to injuries and deaths. Those detained faced further mistreatment in facilities like the Hartford jail, where conditions were abhorrent.

Holly Fry ([06:17]) describes:

“They were allowed no reading materials. Many of the men had no idea what they were even being held for.”

Punitive measures in Hartford included confinement in oppressive rooms over boiler rooms, minimal sustenance, and physical abuse.

“Men suspected of holding anarchist or communist ideologies were put into such rooms for 36 to 60 hours at a time, with one glass of water and one piece of bread given to them every 12 hours.” – Tracy B. Wilson ([07:30])

Public Response and Protests

The brutality of the raids did not go unnoticed. Public outcry materialized through protests, most notably at Madison Square Garden, led by attorney and activist Dudley Field Malone. Legal bodies, such as the New York Bar Association, demanded accountability, though Palmer’s office largely ignored these pleas.

“The treatment of the group at the hands of the Department of Justice led to a protest at Madison Square Garden the following night.” – Holly Fry ([05:04])

The Second Wave: January 1920 Mass Raids

Emboldened by initial successes, Palmer orchestrated a larger-scale raid on January 2, 1920, resulting in approximately 3,000 arrests across thirty cities. These raids targeted communist party headquarters and other gatherings, leading to the detention of individuals under increasingly dire circumstances.

Tracy B. Wilson ([09:53]) recounts:

“In the dark, the captive men had no beds. They slept on the floor. All 800 of them had to wait in lines for access to the one drinking fountain and one toilet available.”

Formation of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The escalating abuses and unlawful actions spurred the creation of the ACLU on January 19, 1920. This organization aimed to defend civil liberties through both legal battles and public education, responding directly to the government’s overreach during the Palmer Raids.

“In part in response to this rash of raids that were happening without cause, on January 19, 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union was formed.” – Tracy B. Wilson ([17:13])

The Decree of Lewis F. Post and Public Sentiment Shift

By April 1920, Assistant Secretary of Labor Lewis F. Post recognized the excessive and unlawful nature of the raids. His interventions, including transferring detainees to more humane facilities and canceling numerous deportation orders, signaled a significant shift in public and governmental attitudes against Palmer’s methods.

Holly Fry ([19:12]) observes:

“Post went on to cancel more than 1500 deportations, which was a slap in the face to Palmer.”

The Official Report: Legal Repercussions and Findings

In May 2012 (likely a typographical error, intended to be 1920), a comprehensive report was issued by a coalition of prominent lawyers, including Felix Frankfurter and Roscoe Pound. This document meticulously outlined the Palmer Raids' unconstitutional actions, categorizing them into six critical violations:

1. Cruel and unusual punishments
2. Arrests without warrants
3. Unreasonable searches and seizures
4. Provocative agents and entrapment
5. Compelling individuals to testify against themselves
6. DOJ propaganda efforts

Holly Fry ([28:32]) highlights:

“As of November 14, 1919, the Attorney General had assembled a list of 60,000 people by name that were suspected of radicalism of one kind or another.”

The report revealed that out of these, only 810 had been deported, starkly contrasting Palmer’s inflated threat assessments.

Human Stories: Personal Impact of the Raids

The hosts share poignant testimonies from individuals like Alexander Bukowetsky, whose unjust detention not only affected him but also devastated his family. Bukowetsky’s daughter, Violet, witnessed immense suffering, underscoring the raids' long-term human costs.

“When I came to America, I came with a thought that I was coming to a free country... I am a hundred times more anxious to run away from Americanism and return to Soviet Russia, where I will at least be able to live.” – Alexander Bukowetsky ([30:37])

Aftermath and Palmer’s Decline

Despite initial support, Palmer’s unchecked actions eventually led to his downfall. Public opinion had shifted, and his credibility waned as his predictions failed to materialize. By March 1921, Palmer lost the Democratic presidential nomination and returned to private law practice, never expressing remorse for his actions.

“I apologize for nothing. The Department of Justice has done I glory in it.” – A. Mitchell Palmer ([32:19])

Conclusion: Lessons from the Palmer Raids

Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson reflect on the Palmer Raids as a dark chapter in American history, emphasizing the dangers of fear-driven politics and the fragility of civil liberties in times of crisis.

“It's a very troubling time in America's history that we don't talk about very much.” – Holly Fry ([33:01])

Final Thoughts:
This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding civil liberties against governmental overreach, especially during periods of national fear. The Palmer Raids encapsulate how fear can embolden authorities to commit injustices, leaving lasting scars on innocent lives.

Listen to Part 1: For a comprehensive understanding, it's recommended to listen to Part 1, which provides the necessary historical context leading up to the events discussed in this episode.