Anti-Communism at Home

Fear of Communist Influence Capitalism Duck and Cover Cold War at Home documentary

I. Fear of Communist Influence In climate of Cold War, Americans feared that members of the Communist party would be loyal to the Soviets Smith Act (1940) - made it a criminal offense to advocate violent overthrow of the government Truman established the Federal Employees Loyalty and Security Program House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) – Congressional committee that investigated possible Communist influence Targeted Hollywood, fearing movies would spread Communist propaganda Actors suspected of being Communist were blacklisted McCarran Act – required the registration of Communist organizations with the United States Famous spy cases: Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs (the latter were convicted and executed for selling atomic secrets to the Soviets)

II. Senator Joseph McCarthy Launches a “Witch Hunt” “He may be a Communist…” Needed a popular issue to help him win 1952 re-election – took advantage of people’s concerns about Communism Made accusations that there were hundreds of Communists in the State Department – he never produced a single name or any evidence Techniques became known as McCarthyism When challenged, he would respond with another accusation McCarthy’s 1954 downfall: Made accusations against U.S. Army, resulting in televised hearings His bullying of witnesses caused Senate to condemn him for improper conduct Became an alcoholic and died three years later McCarthy Interview