By the late-40s, Americans grew concerned about Communists not only abroad but also within the United States. At the same time, Americans developed a growing paranoia about a possible Soviet nuclear attack on the United States.

By the late-40s, Americans grew concerned about Communists not only abroad but also within the United States. At the same time, Americans developed a growing paranoia about a possible Soviet nuclear attack on the United States. The Red Scare

The Red Scare September, 1945: Soviet defector reveals massive effort by Soviet Union to obtain U.S. atomic bomb information. Subversion = the effort to secretly weaken society & overthrow its government Early 1947, Truman creates loyalty review program – screening of all federal workers.

The Red Scare FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, elevates the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) to prominence – investigating “Communist sympathizers” and wiretapping thousands of telephones. HUAC hearings focus on Hollywood. The studios created “blacklists”– barring suspected communists from being hired. The Hollywood Ten use their Fifth Amendment rights and are sent to prison.

Spys in the Government Alger Hiss, prominent U.S. diplomat, is accused of spying and being a communist. Hiss is later convicted of perjury and spends 5 years in jail.

Spys in the Government Alger Hiss, prominent U.S. diplomat, is accused of spying and being a communist. Hiss is later convicted of perjury and spends 5 years in jail.

Spys in the Government Alger Hiss, prominent U.S. diplomat, is accused of spying and being a communist. Hiss is convicted of perjury and spends 5 years in jail. The Rosenbergs, known communists convicted of espionage in 1953 – revealed information about U.S. atomic bomb plans. The only Americans to be executed for espionage charges during the Cold War.

Joseph McCarthy Early 1950, claims to have list of 205 known communists working in the U.S. State Department – list never materializes.

Joseph McCarthy Early 1950, claims to have list of 205 known communists working in the U.S. State Department – list never materializes. Later becomes chairman of the Senate subcommittee on investigations. His tactic of damaging reputations with unfounded charges becomes known as McCarthyism.

The McCarran Internal Security Act 1950: Senator Pat McCarran pushes through legislation that made it illegal to… “..combine, conspire, or agree with any person to perform any act which would substantially contribute to the establishment of a totalitarian government.” Communist organizations had to register with the government. Truman vetoes the bill but it’s easily overridden by Congress. The Supreme Court later makes the bill ineffective.

McCarthy’s Downfall Spring, 1954: McCarthy investigates U.S. Army for Soviet spies. Furious at the Army’s denial, McCarthy’s tactics become reckless and abusive.

McCarthy’s Downfall Spring, 1954: McCarthy investigates U.S. Army for Soviet spies. Furious at the Army’s denial, McCarthy’s tactics become reckless and abusive. Joseph Welch, lawyer for Army, responds, “You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?”

The Media Takes a Stand Edward R. Murrow Popular WWII journalist & host of TV show “See It Now”, precursor to “60 Minutes”. The show aired a program in October, 1953, about the dismissal of an Air Force soldier accused of associating with communists. On March 9th, 1954, the show aired “A Report on Senator Joseph McCarthy”

Fallout Shelters Fear of communism and nuclear war dominated life for most Americans. Fallout shelters are built around the world in an effort to avoid harmful radioactive fallout.

How did McCarthyism and the Red Scare change American society and government?

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