What was the Domino Theory?

What was it?

Theory that communism would spread to neighbouring countries

Why was Eisenhower determined to prevent communism from spreading to South Vietnam?

Though it would spread to surrounding countries

What was set up in response to the belief that USSR spies were in America trying to overthrow the government?

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) - investigated people or companies believed to communists or communist sympathisers. Film makers even accused of making communist propaganda.

What law was passed to target communists in America?

The McCarren Act - limited employment opportunities for communists and insisted that all communist organisations become registered and investigated by HUAC.

What did all of this result in?

Red Scare - people supported US involvement in Vietnam

What was McCarthyism?

1950 - senator Joseph McCarthy accused 200 government workers of being communists. This resulted in a ‘witch hunt’ - people were sacked and reputations ruined

When did it end?

1954 - his accusations were all false