Chapter 19: Section 1 Ms. Garratt The Cold War at Home Chapter 19: Section 1 Ms. Garratt

Resentment of the New Deal The programs created under the New Deal were dramatic departures from any previous legislation. The role of government grew exponentially Many felt this was the result of Communist subversion This led to the formation of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) which was created to investigate Communist infiltration and influence in the US government. As WWII got underway the nation focused on war. After the war tension between the US & USSR deepened and the HUAC was resurrected.

New Fears of Soviets Following the war Americans had new reasons to fear the Soviets Refusal to hold “free elections” in eastern Europe Development of the atomic bomb Ideological differences Memories of Stalin’s purges and the COMINTERM

The American Communist Party During the Great Depression the American Communist party reached its peak. “Interest in communism became a chic intellectual trend…in a time of extensive poverty, racial injustice and abuse of workers by powerful corporations.” Communism held out hope for a better world. It had not yet been tainted by the evil and repressive actions by Stalin. By the end of WWII interest in communism was virtually nonexistent. Concern had changed from “interest” to “fear”

The Alger Hiss Case He was member of Yalta delegation Many felt that Communists had influence the New Deal. HUAC hoped to prove this. Opportunity arose when Whittaker Chambers, former American Communist, told HUAC that Alger Hiss was a communist. Hiss was perfect example for HUAC to show communist influence Why? He was member of Yalta delegation He clerked for Supreme Court justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes Had served in many capacities in US government Was involved in organization considered “soft” on communism

Nixon staked reputation on Hiss’s guilt

Proof in a Pumpkin Patch The hearings on Hiss proved nothing. Richard Nixon led the questioning which some called “brilliant” others called “ruthless.” Hiss’s reputation was smeared but nothing proven until Whittaker Chambers led investigators to a pumpkin patch where top secret documents were found. Hiss was sentenced to 5 years for perjury

Julius & Ethel Rosenberg Accused of sending Soviets specifications for the atomic bomb. Sentenced to death. Went to their death protesting their innocence. They were offered a deal but declined. Resently unearthed Soviet documents indicate guilt.

Truman Joins Red Hunt More anti-communist than FDR however accused of “losing China” and being too “soft.” He instituted the Federal Employee Loyalty Program Fed employees required to swear loyalty Checks to preserve civil rights were often abused. More than 3 million appeared before loyalty boards as suspects. 3000 were forced to resign; 212 fired although no positive proof of subversion or espionage was ever found

McCarran Act 1950 Did not outlaw Communist party but made any activity designed to create a communist government illegal. Passed by Congress, vetoed by Truman but easily overrode by Congress.

McCarthyism In 1950 he announces that he has names of 205 Communists working in the government although exact numbers changed to 81 or 57. Many at first saw him as lone crusader searching for traitors His tactics were ruthless & he went after people without just cause He ruined people’s careers

McCarthy Censured by Senate McCarthy emboldened by his reckless accusations then went after the US Army. Army attorney Joseph Welch tore McCarthy’s unfounded accusations apart on public TV In 1954 the Senate voted to condemn or censure McCarthy

Blacklisting Vigilantes – self appointed enforcers or judges of justice branded people as Communists. Advertisers wanted nothing to do anything even remotely connected to Communism & pulled ads Entertainment industry was hurt as employees were blacklisted. One group, AWARE, had ruined many people They were sued and loss the case

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