Red Scare and McCarthyism History – Notes 13-5
The Cold War at Home Red Scare (1945-1954): Atmosphere of distrust and fear of communism infiltrating the U.S. government Search for communist spies and sympathizers often with little/no evidence
Fear of Communism in America
The Cold War at Home House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC – 1947): Investigate communist activities in U.S. and Hollywood
The Cold War at Home House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC – 1947): Blacklist: can’t hire anyone believed to be communist or uncooperative
The Hollywood Blacklist – Video
HUAC also targeted suspected LGBT
The Cold War at Home Alger Hiss (1948): U.S. Government employee accused of being a Communist Convicted on little evidence
The Cold War at Home Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1950): Video Accused of stealing secrets about nuclear bomb for Soviets, sentenced to death Video
Loyalty Oath
The Cold War at Home Loyalty Review Program (1947): Truman required all government employees to sign a loyalty oath Increased fear of communism in America
The Cold War at Home McCarran Act (1950): Required communist groups in America to register with the government U.S. could deport communists and subversives (traitors) Do you still have freedom of expression in America?
The Cold War at Home McCarthyism (1950-1954): Witch hunt campaign to accuse people of communism and damage reputations Used fear, propaganda, and suspicion and little evidence
McCarthyism 3:45 – 10:30 (Video)
Murrow vs. McCarthy – Video Goodnight and Good Luck Murrow Speech on McCarthy