Emma Goldman, born in 1869 in what is now Lithuania, emigrated to the United States in 1885, eventually becoming a leading figure in the anarchist movement. Known for her eloquent speeches and writings, she advocated for a variety of social issues, including labor rights, women's emancipation, and anarchist thought. Her radical views made her a target of the U.S. government, especially in the context of the Red Scare following World War I, which was characterized by widespread fear of communism and radicalism. In 1919, licensed under the Alien Act, the U.S. government began targeting those it considered a threat to national security.Goldman was notably arrested in 1917 for anti-draft speeches and was subsequently detained under the Espionage Act. Following her arrest, she continued to organize and mobilize for various causes until her deportation. On December 21, 1919, Goldman, along with several other anarchists, was put on a ship to Russia, a decision that sparked significant controversy and debate. Many viewed her exile as an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the wake of rising anxiety about radical politics in America. Upon her arrival in Russia, Goldman hoped to align her ideals with the Bolshevik government but soon became disillusioned with the realities of Soviet governance.Goldman's journey to Russia was fraught with complicated emotions, as she witnessed the stark realities of a country undergoing rapid change. While she initially supported the Bolsheviks, her disappointment grew as she encountered increasing repression and centralization of power, which conflicted with her anarchist principles. Over the following years, she would articulate her critiques of Soviet practices, emphasizing the need for individual freedom and dissent in revolutionary movements.