The cold war, the red scare, and McCarthyism

The cold war Definition: Open yet restricted rivalry/hostility between U.S. and Soviet Union and respective allies 1947 – 1991 Never featured direct military action

Competing Ideologies and Beliefs United States vs. Soviet Union Democracy vs. Communism

The cold war U.S. & Britain feared Soviet/communist expansion in W. Europe and beyond Soviets determined to keep control of E. Europe Quickly became an “arms race” – who could build the most destructive weapons

United States Democratic government: supreme power vested in people free electoral system power exercised directly by people or elected agents

United States Capitalism: economic system investment made/ownership maintained mainly by private individuals/corporations, including production, distribution, exchange of wealth

United States Freedom of expression: Arts Entertainment Media Religion

Soviet Union Communist government: All economic/social activity controlled by oppressive state dominated by single political party in continuous control

Soviet Union People incapable of choosing leaders Repressed all opposition Demanded rigid obedience No religious tolerance

Distrust and Propaganda U.S. and Soviet Union assumed very worst of each other No peace or reconciliatory talks Emphasized the threat from the other to their citizens

Distrust and Propaganda Sent spy satellites /agents to check each other’s activities

Distrust and Propaganda Politicians referenced and declared U.S. / U.S.S.R. threatened world peace

Military Buildup Cold War resulted in massive military buildup. “Arms Race” - Both sides stocked up on atomic, hydrogen, nuclear weapons.

Created massive fear among citizens. Military Buildup Use of these weapons would ensure complete annihilation of both countries. Created massive fear among citizens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQF7vdXK184

The (second) Red Scare 1950 - 1954

The effects of fear Fear of communism dominated American politics Shaped foreign policy Americans feared individuals who supported ideas/objectives of Communist Party might overthrow U. S. gov.

the 1950s Gov. agencies/politicians carried out overzealous executive/legislative investigations of political dissenters Disregarded individuals’ basic constitutional rights

The Anti-communist Crusade Nation embarked on crusade Goal - root out communist influence in American wherever evidence of treason could be found.

Public fear Communism a national obsession Miss America contestants asked for their views on Karl Marx, Communism's founder Cincinnati Reds baseball team changed name to Redlegs

Public fear Movies, books, TV and radio shows, comic books, celebrities, politicians all warned about the "Red menace." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByvXINerE_k &list=UU5rNjpSthkvMIyWdason_5g&index=1&fea ture=plcp

Mccarthyism

Definition of term the practice of making accusations of disloyalty, subversion, or treason w/out proper evidence Originated during “Red Scare” (1950 – 1954) in U. S. , time of heightened fears of communist influence and Soviet spies

Joseph McCarthy Born 1908/died 1957 Consider one of least qualified, most corrupt politicians of his time Waged vicious campaign to expose Communist spies in U.S. gov. Never found one, but fueled national hysteria called the “Red Scare”

Political ambition End of first term, McCarthy took advantage of nation’s fanatic terror against communism Feb. 9, 1950: claimed to have list of 205 known-members of American Communist Party within the State Department

Political ambition Am. public went crazy with thought of radical communists living in U. S. Demanded investigation of underground agitators Most on McCarthy’s list not communists

McCarthy's persecution McCarthy’s false accusations/unrelenting publicity: Caused many to lose their jobs Produced popular attacks/ judgment/accusations on others Destroyed reputations

Hollywood blacklist Mid-20th-century list of screenwriters, actors, directors, musicians, composers, etc. denied employment because of political beliefs/associations, real or suspected

Hollywood blacklist Artists barred from work on basis of: alleged membership in/ sympathy toward American Communist Party involvement in liberal/ humanitarian political causes blacklist enforcers associated with communism refusal to assist investigations into Communist Party activities

Hollywood blacklist Caused direct damage to careers of many American artists Lead to betrayal of friendships Ruined personal/professional relationships Promoted censorship across entire industry