Why did some americans turn to socialism and communism during this period?

You have not mentioned a period but I think you are referring to the late 19th century and the early 20th century.

When America began to turn into an industrialized nation in the late 1850's, the age what we call now "The gilded age" officially began.

A handful of industrialists, bankers, professionals, and business owners accumulated a massive amount of wealth and in doing so, many working class people were striped of their most basic needs. Working conditions in working places were horrible and many immigrant were faced with many social, economic and justice discrimination.

This is why Communism and socialism got popular in these times as they were addressing the needs and the welfare of the common people.

Explanation:

the birthmark on georgiana's face alludes to the doctrine of "original sin," being tainted with evil from birth

since most of current immigration into the u.s., both legal and illegal, is coming from latin america. it would be very difficult to imagine or rationalize a country my fellow citizens are trying desperately to flee into, would pose a threat to my prosperity or freedom. since the u.s. has a long history of intervention, but no record of permanent occupation, i would not feel oppression is the main objective.  

the largest free trade nation, along with the largest gdp in the world wanting to expand it's economic policy on us, and including us, could only be positive. the u.s. government has no interest in, or way of simply forcing american culture on us. and has no track record of it. other nations that adopted american social culture, or "americanization" did so voluntarily, mainly through the choice of allowing american businesses and u.s. citizens to come into their nations, as free operatives.