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Red Scare

The Red Scare refers to the fear of communism and the spread of Soviet influence in the United States, particularly following World War II.

Hollywood 10

A group of film industry professionals who refused to testify before HUAC, leading to blacklisting and loss of careers.

Cold war

The period of political tension and military rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet Union (1947–1991) without direct conflict.

Iron curtain

The ideological and physical division between Eastern (Soviet-controlled) and Western Europe during the Cold War.

Truman doctrine

U.S. policy aiming to contain communism by providing economic and military support to countries resisting Soviet influence.

Containment

U.S. foreign policy to prevent the spread of communism, particularly by the Soviet Union, during the Cold War.

Marshall plan

U.S. economic aid program to help rebuild Western European countries after WWII to prevent the spread of communism.

Berlin airlift

The U.S. and allies' operation to supply West Berlin with food and resources during the Soviet blockade (1948–1949).

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization; a military alliance formed in 1949 for collective defense against Soviet expansion in Europe.

Warsaw Pact

A military alliance of Soviet and Eastern Bloc nations (1955–1991), formed in response to NATO's creation.

38th parallel

The line of latitude dividing North and South Korea, established as a boundary after WWII and during the Korean War.

Douglas Mac Arthur

U.S. General during WWII and the Korean War, known for leading Allied forces in the Pacific and Korea.

Arms Race

The competition between the U.S. and Soviet Union to develop and accumulate superior nuclear and conventional weapons during the Cold War.

Mutually assured destruction

The military doctrine that both sides in a nuclear conflict would be destroyed, preventing direct warfare between nuclear powers.

Brinkmanship

The practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the edge of disaster to achieve favorable outcomes, particularly during the Cold War.

Nikita Khrushchev

Soviet leader after Stalin, known for de-Stalinization, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and attempts to improve relations with the West.

Blacklist

A list of individuals or organizations excluded from employment due to political beliefs, particularly related to suspected communism during the Cold War.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

American couple executed in 1953 for espionage, accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.

Joseph McCarthy

U.S. Senator who led the anti-communist "witch hunts" in the 1950s, accusing many of being communist sympathizers without evidence.

CIA

Central Intelligence Agency; U.S. government agency responsible for gathering intelligence and conducting covert operations overseas, especially during the Cold War.

McCarthyism

The practice of making unfounded accusations of communism or disloyalty, often ruining careers and reputations, during the early Cold War.

Patterns of coups

The occurrence of military or political overthrows, often supported by foreign powers, especially in Latin America during the Cold War.

Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong was the founding father of the People's Republic of China and a key figure in the establishment of communism in China.

HUAC

HUAC stands for the House Un-American Activities Committee, which was responsible for investigating alleged communist activities in the United States.

Satellite States

Satellite states are nations that are formally independent but under heavy political, economic, and military influence or control by another country.