Primary Source: The Case Against The Reds Summary

Secretary of Commerce and former Vice President, Henry A. Wallace wrote and delivered a letter to President Harry S. Truman on July 23, 1946 in which he questioned the governmental action being taken during this time. In his letter he reflected upon the country's appearance to the rest of the world and encouraged a sense of reflection to the recipient of such content, President Truman. Not only is this document a primary source, Henry Wallace was an American politician thus adding great value to the document because he had previous knowledge and perhaps insight of the issue, allowing him to make a clear conclusion or summary of what was causing the problem.

However, this document contains limitations as well. For example, the exclusion
Mitchell Palmer (February 1920)

Written by US Attorney General, A. Mitchell Palmer on February 1920, “The Case Against the Reds” expresses an explanation regarding the need for raids and deportation of the “reds.” The article consists of reasons to why it is the US’ “duty” to deport or exclude the Soviets from American lands. Furthermore, A. Mitchell Palmer attempts to persuade the reader against the Soviets. This document is of value to the investigation because it is a primary source and it is written by governmental point of view that as a matter of fact contradicts other political opinions.

On the other hand, the document holds a variety of limitations. For example, the opinionated basis of the article shadows the factual aspect by a large amount. This affects the research question because Palmer’s claim against Soviets is not based on facts but more on opinion. Another limitation in the document is the lack of Soviet opinion. Going hand in hand, the opinion basis causes the excerpt to lack facts but also an opposing view being more persuasive than informational. Meaning that this article would conclude in a opinionated conclusion regarding the research question instead of