The Cold War and the Second Red Scare

Truman's Approach to the Soviet Union

  • Truman's approach to the Soviet Union was more severe than FDR's due to lack of prior relationship.
  • Concern for containing Stalin and preventing Soviet influence.

Definition of Cold War

  • The Cold War is termed 'cold' due to no formal declaration of war; it involved indirect conflicts through other nations.
  • It consisted of diplomatic tensions rather than direct military engagements.
  • Misunderstandings between the U.S. and USSR fueled this confrontation.

Misinterpretations Between the U.S. and USSR

  • U.S. interpreted Soviet desire for friendly governments as a push for global communism.
  • USSR viewed U.S. efforts as capitalist domination.
  • Mistrust characterized the relationship, leading to increased tensions.

Atomic Weapons and Mistrust

  • Both nations rapidly developed atomic weapons post-WWII, raising suspicions and fears.
  • U.S. concerned about the potential use of atomic power by communists.

Second Red Scare

  • Emerged from the Cold War context, targeting suspected communists within the U.S.
  • Bipartisan support for anti-communist efforts, including investigations of government employees.

House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

  • HUAC launched investigations into Hollywood for alleged communist influences.
  • Public hearings gained significant media attention starting in 1947.
  • Many in Hollywood cooperated to avoid suspicion, while others refused, forming the "Hollywood Ten".

Federal Loyalty Program

  • Initiated by Truman to investigate federal employees for communist sympathies.
  • Investigated individuals based on vague definitions of "subversive activities".

Lavender Scare

  • LGBTQ individuals targeted under the pretext that they posed security risks due to potential blackmail by communists.
  • Broadly affected many government employees based on sexual orientation rather than actual communist affiliations.

McCarthyism

  • Named after Senator Joseph McCarthy; peaked in 1952-1957.
  • McCarthy falsely claimed to have lists of communists in government, leading to widespread fear and tension.
  • Used media savvy to gain attention and power, often targeting political opponents.
  • Eventually condemned by the Senate and diminished following televised hearings that contradicted his claims.

Impact of McCarthyism and Second Red Scare

  • Led to a culture of conformity and pressure to adhere to traditional values in American society.
  • Political tactics like "red baiting" (smearing opponents as communists) persisted long after McCarthy's decline.
  • Heightened scrutiny on social movements, branding critiques of government as un-American.
  • Popular culture shifted to avoid portraying communists sympathetically, promoting anti-communist narratives instead.