history- the red scare

What is the Red Scare?

The fear that communism would spread to the USA.

When was the Red Scare?

After WWII, mainly during the 1940s and 1950s.

What did Americans fear during the Red Scare?

That Soviet spies were secretly working in the government and military.

What was the aim of communism that scared Americans?

To spread around the world, threatening democracy and capitalism.

What international event heightened American fears of communism?

The USSR's growing influence after WWII.

What political system did the USSR follow?

Communism.

What was the relationship between the USA and USSR after WWII?

Tense and competitive—part of the Cold War.

What did Americans think Soviet spies were doing?

Leaking information and undermining the USA from within.

What was the HUAC?

House Un-American Activities Committee that investigated suspected communists.

What industries did HUAC focus on?

Mainly Hollywood and the media.

What happened to people who refused to answer HUAC’s questions?

They were blacklisted and couldn't find work.

Who were the Hollywood Ten?

A group of writers and directors who refused to testify to HUAC.

What does blacklisted mean?

Being banned from employment due to suspected communist ties.

What was McCarthyism?

Making accusations of communism without real evidence.

Who was Joseph McCarthy?

A U.S. senator who led aggressive anti-communist campaigns.

What effect did McCarthy's actions have?

Many innocent people lost jobs and reputations.

What term describes the fear-driven search for communists in the U.S.?

Witch hunt.

What event intensified Red Scare fears in 1949?

The USSR successfully tested an atomic bomb.

What major event in China contributed to U.S. fears?

China's fall to communism in 1949.

What did the Loyalty Program do?

Investigated federal employees for communist ties.

What was the Rosenberg case?

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for passing atomic secrets to the USSR.

What caused the fall of McCarthy?

Televised hearings showed his bullying tactics, losing him support.

What role did fear play in the Red Scare?

Fear led to suppression of rights and public hysteria.

What was the public’s reaction to anti-communist investigations?

Many supported them out of fear, but support declined over time.

What was one result of the Red Scare?

People became more cautious about expressing political views.