McCarthyism - The Second Red Scare

• What event in 1917 contributed to the fear of communism in the USA?

  The Bolshevik Revolution
• How did the relationship between the USA and the Soviet Union change after World War II?

  They became adversaries in a Cold War despite being allies during the war.
• What was the impact of the Cold War on American attitudes towards communism?

  It led to an increase in fear and hatred of communism among most Americans.
• What slogan became popular during the Cold War reflecting American sentiment towards communism?

  'Better dead than Red'
• What happened to individuals accused of having communist sympathies in the USA during the Cold War?


  They faced great intolerance and the eventual loss of their political and other rights.
• Who was Alger Hiss and what was he accused of?

  He was a member of the US government accused of spying for the Soviet Union.
• Who were Ethel and Julius Rosenberg and what happened to them?

  They were Americans accused of spying and were executed in June 1953.
• What was the public reaction to the scandals involving accusations of spying during the Cold War?

  The scandals became news headlines, increasing fear that communists were at work across America.
• HUAC (the House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee)

  A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, investigated allegations of communist activity in the U.S. during the early years of the Cold War (1945-91). Established in 1938, the committee used its power as weapon and called citizens to testify in high-profile hearings before Congress. This intimidating atmosphere often produced dramatic but questionable revelations about Communists infiltrating American institutions. HUAC’s controversial tactics contributed to the fear, distrust and repression of the Red Scare.
• The Loyalty Programme

  The program gave loyalty review boards the power to fire government employees when “reasonable grounds” existed for belief that they were disloyal. Evidence of disloyalty included not only treasonous activities, but “sympathetic association” with a long list of organisations deemed by the Attorney General to be “Communist, fascist, or totalitarian.”
• Who was Joseph McCarthy?

  Joseph McCarthy was a Republican senator known for his anti-communist activities.
• What did Joseph McCarthy claim in 1950?

  He claimed to have a list of 205 members of the Communist Party working for the State Department.
• What term is associated with Joseph McCarthy's activities?

  The term associated with his activities is McCarthyism.
• What did McCarthyism become associated with over the years?

  It became associated with a communist witch hunt.
• How many men and women were summoned to appear before the Senate's House Un-American Activities Committee?

  Over 2,000 men and women were summoned.
• What was the impact of McCarthy's actions by the time he was exposed?

  He had created an atmosphere of fear and ruined the lives of many.
• How did Joseph McCarthy's actions contribute to the concept of McCarthyism?

  His actions symbolized the anti-communist sentiment and led to widespread fear and persecution.
• What label caused many citizens to lose their jobs during the McCarthy era?

  "Communists"
• Why were public school teachers unable to return to their jobs after being accused during McCarthyism?

  They were not reinstated like many college professors were.
• What was the impact on those who retained their jobs during the McCarthy era?

  Their careers were destroyed despite keeping their positions.
• What was the psychological effect of McCarthyism on innocent people?

  They experienced trauma from being prosecuted by their own country.
• How did McCarthyism affect personal relationships?

  Relationships were destroyed due to mistrust and fear of betrayal.
• Who else suffered as a result of the accusations during McCarthyism?

  The children of the accused were also victims.
• What advice did parents give to their children regarding the peers of the accused?

  Parents advised their children to stay away from the accused's children.
• What was the primary rivalry during the Cold War?

  The rivalry was between the communist USSR and capitalist USA.
• What was one reason for the Red Scare in the United States?

  The spread of communism across Eastern Europe and into China contributed to the Red Scare.
• Who was accused of being a spy for the USSR?

  Alger Hiss was accused of being a spy for the USSR.
• What happened to Ethel and Julius Rosenberg in June 1953?

  They were accused of spying and executed.
• How did the scandals involving Hiss and the Rosenbergs affect public perception in America?

  These scandals increased the fear that there were communists at work across America.
• What was the role of HUAC during the Red Scare?

  HUAC began searching for communists working for the government and in various industries.
• What was the outcome for many individuals investigated by HUAC?

  Many were forced out of their jobs due to the disgrace associated with the investigation.
• How many Hollywood filmmakers were investigated by HUAC in October 1947?

  10 of Hollywood's most famous filmmakers were investigated.
• What was the filmmakers' argument regarding their political affiliations?

  They argued that in a democratic country like the USA, they could be members of whatever political party they chose.
• What was the consequence of the filmmakers' refusal to answer HUAC's questions?

  Their refusal led to a 1-year jail sentence and difficulty finding work in the film industry.
• Who gave a sensational speech in 1950 claiming to have a list of communists in the government?

  Joseph McCarthy gave the speech.
• How did McCarthy's campaign of investigations affect public perception?

  People who spoke out against him risked being seen as communist supporters.
• What happened to Charlie Chaplin as a result of McCarthy's accusations?

  He was accused and later forced to leave the USA to find work.
• What led to McCarthy losing popularity?

  He began to lose popularity when he accused 45 army officers of being communists and could not provide evidence.
• What was the outcome of McCarthy's accusations against the army officers?

  He was asked to prove his accusations but had no evidence, leading to a loss of public support.