1. Cold War Domestic Politics and Culture

2. Background
The late 1940s and throughout the 1950s the United States was consumed with a fear of communism and the Soviet Union.
A number of events added to the paranoia of the nation
Koran War: June July 1953
Mao and the Communists taking control of China: 1949
Discovery of a few U.S. government agents who had betrayed government secrets: 1945
Republicans desire to attack Democrats

3. CONTINUED Growth of the Soviet Union
Development of the atomic bomb by the Soviet Union

4. Pres. Truman’s response
Truman was politically compelled to react to the “danger” and did so by creating the Loyalty Review Board.
This opened the door politically to those who wanted to advance their philosophy and politics
House Un-American Activities Committee: Hollywood Ten- 1947
McCarran Act 1950: overrode Truman’s veto

5. Government actions Major espionage cases McCarthyism: 1950-1954
Hiss: 1948
Rosenberg's: 1950
McCarthyism:
Tactics
Effects
Fall of Sen. McCarthy

6. LESSONS OF MCCARTHYISM
Government officials can use fear and their power in order gain power
Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar can produce a “chilling effect” on society
The freedom to question government actions and individuals is vital to a open society