1. Anti-Communism at Home

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

3. 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)

4. 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