1. McCarthyism

2. Background: Communism in America
During the Great Depression, tens of thousands of Americans had joined the Communist Party
After WWII, membership declined

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4. Fear of Communism
During the Cold War, politicians encouraged fear of Communism
Truman administration began to investigate people who still belonged to the Communist Party
Loyalty program
6.6 million Americans were investigated

5. HUAC
Congress began the House Un-American Activities Committee to investigate Communist “infiltration” of America
In 1947, HUAC called Hollywood directors, writers, actors and producers to testify
Asked: “Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?”

6. HUAC & The Hollywood Ten
A group of directors & producers refused to testify
“Hollywood Ten”
Served jail terms from 6 months-1 year
Studios began “blacklisting” people who were accused of having Communist ties
The 10 individuals who defied HUAC were Alvah Bessie (c ), Herbert Biberman ( ), Lester Cole (c ), Edward Dmytryk ( ), Ring Lardner Jr. ( ), John Howard Lawson ( ), Albert Maltz ( ), Samuel Ornitz ( ), Robert Adrian Scott ( ) and Dalton Trumbo ( ). 

7. McCarran Act (1950)
Unlawful to promote any action that would lead to a totalitarian dictatorship
Immigrants deported if they were suspected
Internment camps for “dangerous or disloyal” people
Truman vetoed it…
“One of the most un-American acts I have ever witnessed in my political career”
But Congress passed it over his veto

8. Joseph McCarthy
In 1950, Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy gave a speech in which he declared: “I have here in my hand a list of 205 [people] who were known to the secretary of state as being members of the Communist Party and who, nevertheless, are still working and shaping policy at the State Department.”

9. McCarthyism McCarthy – Sensational charges Created a culture of fear
When pressed, he reduced his list at the state department from 205 to 57
Created a culture of fear

10. How to spot a communist

11. How McCarthyism Worked
Just being accused could lead people to lose their jobs
McCarthy targeted people in public hearings
Goal: get people fired for being (suspected) Communists

12. Why did people go along with it?
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What might be the risk of speaking out against him?
What is wrong with these actions?
Why might some argue that HUAC itself was un-American?

14. End of McCarthyism In 1954, televised hearings began
It became clear that McCarthy was pursuing baseless charges – and targeting anyone who spoke out against him
Senate formally condemned him
Resolution 301

16. McCarthyism Today
McCarthyism is a term now used for witch hunts, typically those that are politically motivated.

17. Ethel & Julius Rosenberg:
Alger Hiss:
Spied for the Soviet Union
Klaus Fuchs:
Admitted to spying for S.U. in the Manhattan Project
Ethel & Julius Rosenberg:
Convicted and put to death in 1953 – still unsure if guilty