Ferdinando Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were Italian immigrants and anarchists who were convicted of murder in Massachusetts in 1921. With little solid evidence, they were arrested for an armed robbery where a guard and paymaster were killed. Eyewitnesses were uncertain and the only hard evidence was that Sacco's gun was similar to the one used in the crime. Their conviction caused widespread unrest as many believed it was an unjust verdict due to the anti-radical political climate of the time. After their conviction, both Sacco and Vanzetti were sentenced to death.

1. Sacco and Vanzetti History Project Reagan May

2. Fear of Radicals At the beginning of the 1920s, fear of radicalism grew into a national crusade. It was believed that Radicals were going to take control of the country which became more apparent through the numerous business strikes occurring around the country.

3. Sacco His primary job was making shoes. Born April 22, 1981 in Italy. Anarchist In 1908, he left for the U.S.

4. Vanzetti Born June 11, 1888 in Italy Main job was fish peddler Went to anarchist meetings with Sacco Left for U.S. in 1908

5. The Case Anarchists Ferdinando Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were convicted of an armed robbery in Massachusetts where a guard and a paymaster were killed. With almost no solid evidence of the crime, they were arrested.

6. Evidence The seven eyewitnesses thought that they saw Sacco but couldn’t completely confirm that. The gun seen at the scene was similar to Sacco’s gun. Sacco was not at work that day of the robbery. Vanzetti admitted that he lied about the guns he owned and the location of friends’ residences.

7. Decision In July of 1921, both men were found guilty were given the death penalty (both had a choice between death penalty and life imprisonment). This decision brought up huge unrest in America, some saying it was an unjust case because of the anti-radical feelings Many thought it was right for them to be convicted.

8. More? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BACWQoSAYc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN5DR1wpAfw&feature=related

9. References http://denverabc.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/remembering-sacco-and-vanzetti/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/elhamalawy/795264484/ http://www.theselectnews.com/2010/06/move-over-china-here-comes-russia-on-the-backstretch/anti-communism/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacco_and_Vanzetti http://www.enchantedlearning.com/europe/italy/ http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAvanzetti.htm http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sacco-and-vanzetti-enzo-cinquegrana.html http://www2.fbi.gov/publications/leb/2004/sept2004/sept04leb.htm http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/SaccoV/s&vevidence.html http://www.flprobatelitigation.com/articles/new-probate-cases/will-and-trust-contests/