Reference

The Red Flag riots that erupted in Brisbane in 1919 had a confluence of causes, including political, social, and economic factors. Here are some key causes:

1. Post-War Tensions: Following World War I, there was significant unrest as soldiers returned home to find a lack of jobs and economic instability. This led to heightened tensions and competition between different social groups.

2. Anti-Communist Sentiment: The global rise of Bolshevism following the 1917 Russian Revolution created fear and suspicion of communist activities. The display of the red flag, a symbol associated with socialism and communism, was perceived as a threat to national security and social order in Australia.

3. A Ban on Red Flags: The Australian government had banned the public display of red flags, viewing them as symbols of disloyalty. This ban directly provoked the protests, as individuals, particularly Russian immigrants and socialists, saw it as an attack on their civil liberties.

4. Racial and Xenophobic Tensions: There was significant anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly towards Russian immigrants who were perceived as being Bolsheviks or sympathizers. This xenophobia contributed to the unrest and violence directed towards these communities.

5. Economic Grievances: The post-war period saw economic hardships, which exacerbated social discontent. Workers were disillusioned due to unemployment and poor working conditions, which fueled class struggles.

A specific incident, such as the march on March 23, 1919, where socialist groups defied the red flag ban, acted as the immediate trigger for the riots, leading to violent confrontations.

For further reading and more in-depth information, you can visit these sources:

• Wikipedia - Red Flag Riots
• ABC News - Red Flag Riots
• The University of Queensland - PDF on Red Flag Riots

Here is an image depicting the event: