Cold War In America America’s reaction to Communism

Clip

 Truman and his government convinced Americans that communism was not good.  Said it was a life or death situation  Government finds that there were Russian spies in America during WWII  Federal Loyalty 1947: Background checks  If found guilty many Americans reputations were hurt. Communism in America

 Congress created the House of Un-American Activities Committee. (HUAC)  They looked at how the movies in Hollywood might effect the public.  Hollywood Ten: A list of Hollywood actors, producers and directors who were involved in the communist party.  Actors pleaded the 1rst Amendment: protects citizens from government official who “prescribes what shall be orthodox in politics”  Hollywood Blacklist: A group of people who were not allowed to work in Hollywood.  After this, Hollywood made movies based on entertainment and no longer current issues. Hollywood Ten

 Those who had radical views were now considered to be communists.  Alger Hiss was accused of being a communist by Whittaker Chambers.  Hiss sued Chambers of libel. Hiss was later charged for lying under oath.  Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were husband and wife who were accused of giving American atomic secrets to the USSR  They were convicted of spying against the government and executed in the electric chair in 1953 The Everyday Life

 Joseph McCarthy was a Rep. Senator from Wisconsin who made himself a leader of anticommunist movement  Claimed he had a list of 205 known communist in the state department.  McCarthy attacked members of the US government  Attacked the current Secretary of State and national hero George Marshall  He also used the media as a way to instill fear in the American people McCarthyism

Where is the Communist?

 McCarthy decided to take on the United States Army.  He complained that the Army was sympathetic to communists.  The Army-McCarthy hearings were televised and lasted 36 days.  McCarthy lost all credibility when he attacked Fred Fisher, a highly respected Army official.  The Senate stated that McCarthy was reckless and he lost his credit. The Fall of McCarthyism