The Cold War at Home. Fear of Communist Influence With the Great Depression – tens of thousands of Americans joined the Communist Party. After FDR ’ s.

The Cold War at Home

Fear of Communist Influence

With the Great Depression – tens of thousands of Americans joined the Communist Party.After FDR’s Works Projects and WWII – most quit the Party.

Fear of Communist Influence

Fears of conspiracy.China fell to the Communists in 1949.

Were the Communists going to try to overthrow the American government?The Second Red Scare

Loyalty Review BoardTruman created the Loyalty Review Board in 1947

To investigate federal employees and fire those found to be disloyal to the U.S. government Background checks on all federal workers done by FBIAnyone with “questionable” activities were accused of disloyalty

Loyalty Review BoardThose accused were sent in front of the Loyalty Review Board.

Violated rights of privacy and freedom to associate.Considered guilty until proven innocent.212 fired, 2900 resigned

The HUACHouse Un-American Activities CommitteeCongressional committee to find Communists.

HUAC investigates Hollywood

A number of actors had been Communists in the 1930s.The US govt. had encouraged films that were pro-Soviet during WWII.Now they were out for the actors / writers / directors of “un-American” films and shows.

The Hollywood Ten10 who refused to testifyCelebrities accused of having “radical” politics.Witnesses against the actors / directors / writers used flimsy evidence and rumors.Sent to prison

The Hollywood Tenhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzV6-wJ3SQ

The BlacklistAnyone with associations with the Hollywood Ten were afraid of being called Communist.Backed off on films dealing with racism and anti-Semitism.

Spy Cases: Alger HissFormer State Department officialA former Communist spy accused Hiss of spying for the Soviet UnionClaimed innocenceConvicted of perjury and imprisoned

The RosenbergsEthel and Julius Rosenberg

American CommunistsAccused of passing atomic bomb secrets to the SovietsExecuted 1953

Only civilians in the 20th century executed for espionage.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q93MkBSboHI

Ethel and Julius RosenbergChief witness against them: Ethel’s brother who had worked on the atomic bomb project in New MexicoSoviet files released in 1997 confirmed Julius’ involvement; but no evidence that Ethel was involved

The McCarran ActThe McCarran Internal Security Act: made it illegal to plan any action that might lead to the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship in the U.S.

Truman vetoed it Congress overrode his

The McCarthy Era“I hold 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.”

Senator Joe McCarthy (1950)

Senator Joseph McCarthy1950- Wisconsin senator in trouble for his upcoming re-election.

Needed an issue to get votes/popularity

McCarthyismUsed innuendo and wild accusations against increasingly “big” targets.

The ArmyFormer General Marshall and then Secretary of StateJournalist Edward R. MurrowPresident Eisenhower!

McCarthyismHundreds were accused.

Lost jobs, lost families, ruined reputations.NO CHARGES WERE EVER FILED AGAINST ANYONE!

McCarthy’s Fall1954 – censured by the Senate.Lost credibility and respect.No power.Died of alcoholism in 1957.

Rights of AmericanismThe Right to criticizeThe Right to hold unpopular beliefsThe Right to protestThe Right of independent thought.

Declaration of Conscience: Margaret Chase Smith