McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare

House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC)

One of the leading organizations against communism.

Exposed the Hollywood Ten.

The Hollywood Ten

HUAC launched an investigation on the film industry and summoned many participants in the industry to testify at public hearings.

10 Witnesses refused to cooperate and were convicted and served short prison terms.

Led to "Hollywood blacklists".

Alger Hiss

A former state department official.

In 1949, he was accused of giving info to the USSR during the 1930's and he was convicted of perjury.

Karl Fuchs

A high-ranking physicist was revealed by the British to be spying for the Russians on the Manhattan Project.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

Found guilty of passing atomic secrets to USSR agents and were sent to the electric chair.

Executive Order 9835

Anyone who isn't totally loyal to the USA is a threat to progress.

Federal Loyalty Programme

Establishes loyalty boards (subcommittees) to investigate communists within the executive board.

VENONA

A top secret organization that exposed several spies within the Manhattan Project. Reveals itself when it exposes Karl Fuchs.

Election of 1952

McCarthy faces this election and decides to use the Red Scare to his benefit to gain voters.

Lavender Scare (Led to What)

Persecution of homosexuals within the government who were perceived to be traitors. Because the idea that they were susceptible to espionage due to blackmail risks. Led to Executive Order 10450.

Executive Order 10450 (D)

May 1953 Extended the security risk (of being a communist spy) to every civil service job, imposed more strict "morals" tests, and eliminated a defendant's right to a hearing.

Army-McCarthy Hearings (D)

1954 Exposed McCarthy and ended his influence.

A three-month court hearing which was aired on live television.

Joseph Welch (Army's lawyer) -> "Until this moment, Senator, I think I had never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. . . Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"

McCarthy gets kicked tf out 😂