Socialism
... Advocates of socialism, state ownership and control of the fundamental means of production and distribution of wealth, were not uncommon. ... Despite limited success and application to society, though, socialism failed to become a major force in American politics between 1900 and 1940 as a result of the collaborating effects of an inefficient political party, repressive government legislation and position, and prevailing public opinion. Discontent with social and economic order and significant radical support proved insufficient in overcoming the above obstacles, as ultimately the United States was and continues to be an inhospitable environment for socialism. While perhaps the most successful attempt to promote socialism in America, the Socialist Party of America, itself, ironically played a major role in the failure of socialism. ... The anti-socialist stance taken by the state and national governments contributed greatly to the demise of the Socialist Party and the overall failure of socialism. However, it would be incorrect to say the government completely rejected socialism. ... In doing so, FDR pacified several Socialists and Americans who advocated socialism to a lesser extent. ... Finally, the influence upon the government and its actions contributed to the failure of socialism. Major private companies, which opposed socialism, had significant influence on the government, especially during the war years. ... The reluctance of conservative presidents such as Wilson, Hoover, and FDR to shift towards the political left, made the success of socialism highly improbable. Therefore, the primarily anti-socialist position taken by the government during the first half of the 20th century made the implementation of socialism impossible. Despite the turmoil of the Socialist Party, and the legislative actions of the government, public support of socialism, if very commonly held, could have allowed for its success, but this was not the case. Indeed radical beliefs were held throughout the nation, however socialists were not sufficiently widespread to ensure the survival and future implementation of socialism. ... In addition, the fight for socialism was not sufficiently unified. ... Advocates for socialism were also deterred and intimidated by the Red Scare and the Palmer raids, afraid that their beliefs might lead to imprisonment. In arresting several anarchists and socialists Attorney General Palmer effectively reduced public support for socialism. Perhaps the main reason why public opinion precluded socialism was that most people felt that they should get what they worked for as individuals, not just share equally in the fruits of what everyone else worked for.