Were the Palmer Raids justified given the times?

It really depends what view you're looking from, but overall they really ruined people's lives. I don't think they were necessarily justified even with everything going on at the time. Since it targeted people who were suspected of being Communists or who had radical ideas there wasn't always solid proof behind it. I mean look at the Sacco and Venzetti case they were accused of murdering a factory owner and guard even though there was no proof and they were most likely innocent. Most of the public was outraged by it because they knew the reason Sacco and Venzetti got the electric chair just because they were Italians. So, overall I'd say the Palmer Raids were not justified for the time. This is just my view though.

People have First Amendment rights to free speech.

The raids were based on prejudice and fear.

In dangerous times, the country should limit rights to protect people.

Palmer overextended his authority.

The raids were based on law, even if the law was controversial.