McCarthyism

• alger hiss affair?

  1948, accused by journalist of being a member of com party. when he was convicted, his friend Acheson still publicly offered support

  • heightened fears that US leaders were somehow tainted with com.
  • NOTE: Hiss was member of FDRs pre-war and wartime gov
• House of un-American Activities committee?

  permanent in 45, investigate com infiltration.

  • Jan 50 Hiss convicted of perjury which caused Truman to be criticised as being too soft on com. prime mover= McCarthy
• influence of McCarthyism?

  helped with more determined 'Asia First' policy. Asia seen as much less secure at the time.

  • urgent with monolithic state of China 49