How did the Red Scare Develop? L/O – To analyse how the Red Scare developed by assessing the impact of key events

The Growth of the Red Scare As the Cold War intensified in the late 1940s, anti-Communist fear and paranoia grew within American society. The growth of Communism in Europe, the surprise development of a Russian nuclear bomb, the fall of China and the Korean War all contributed to the feeling that America was under attack. Similarly, events within America also contributed to the suspicion that America was being ‘infiltrated’ by Communist spies.

Paranoia within Government In March 1947, Truman reacted to accusations he was ‘soft’ on Communism by creating the Federal Employee Loyalty Programme (FELP). By 1952, it had forced around 3,000 workers to resign. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also began to secretly investigate government workers under the leadership of its anti- communist director, J. Edgar Hoover. From 1945, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) began to actively investigate real or suspected communists in all areas of society.

The Hollywood Ten In 1947, the HUAC began to investigate the Hollywood Film Industry for suspected communist influence. Ten writers and directors who had to testify before HUAC refused to answer whether they had previously been communists. They pleaded that the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution gave them the right to their own political beliefs. They were found to be in contempt of Congress and were jailed for a year. Despite support from famous actors like Humphrey Bogart, over 300 more artists were investigated and boycotted by the film industry. Even Charlie Chaplin was accused and he had to leave the USA to find work!

The Hiss Case In 1948, HUAC heard testimony from former communist spy Elizabeth Bentley. She gave the names of 150 other agents including Alger Hiss, a government official who had worked at the US State Department and United Nations. Another former spy and editor of Time magazine, Whittaker Chambers, gave evidence and accused Hiss of being a communist agent, even producing evidence. Interrogated by Richard Nixon, Hiss denied being a spy. He was found guilty of lying to court (not spying) and was sentenced for 5 years.

The Rosenberg Case On 18th July 1950 Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were arrested for passing atomic bomb secrets to the Soviets. The evidence against them was weak however the case came at a bad time. The Korean War and development of a Soviet atomic bomb led to many blaming the Rosenberg’s. Despite mass demonstrations and messages of support, they were found guilty of espionage and sentenced to death. They were executed in June 1953.

The McCarran Internal Security Act In light of the rising tide of arrests and perceived communist threat, Congress passed the McCarran Act in September 1950. The Act: Forced the Communist Party to register with the Justice Department and share information about its members. Allowed suspected Communists to be held without trial in the event of war. Banned Communists from working in weapons factories. Set-up the Subversive Activities Control Board to watch for communist activities in the USA.

Conclusion The result of all these spying cases and government laws meant that many Americans had become more suspicious of their neighbours and co-workers. People were less willing to talk politics and unwilling to talk to anyone associated with Communism. Society became swept up in anti-communist hysteria. People were more willing to allow government to spy on its own people to ensure that Communists were rooted out.