8.2 McCarthyism and the Red Scare
5 min read•july 31, 2024
The Cold War's tensions sparked a wave of in the U.S. known as the . This period, from the late 1940s to late 1950s, saw intense suspicion and fear of communist infiltration in American institutions and society.
Senator became the face of this movement, using aggressive tactics to accuse people of communist sympathies. His actions, known as , led to blacklists, ruined careers, and a climate of fear that stifled free speech and civil liberties.
The Second Red Scare
Origins and Context
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- The Second Red Scare, which occurred from the late 1940s to the late 1950s, was a period of intense anti-communist suspicion and fear in the United States
- The origins of the Second Red Scare can be traced to the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated
- The Soviet Union's development of nuclear weapons, the fall of China to communism, and the outbreak of the Korean War contributed to the perception of a growing communist threat
- The , established in 1938, intensified its investigations into alleged communist infiltration of American institutions during this period
- The federal government implemented loyalty programs and required employees to take , leading to the dismissal of individuals suspected of having communist ties
Factors Contributing to Anti-Communist Sentiment
- The (1947) pledged American support to nations threatened by communist subversion or aggression, setting the stage for a global confrontation with communism
- The (1948-1949) and the division of Germany into East and West further heightened Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union
- The successful Soviet test of an atomic bomb in 1949 shocked Americans and fueled fears of a nuclear arms race and potential Soviet aggression
- The conviction of Julius and for espionage in 1951 and their subsequent execution in 1953 reinforced the belief that communist spies had infiltrated American society
- The rise of communist governments in Eastern Europe and the victory of Mao Zedong's communist forces in China (1949) contributed to the perception of a global communist threat
McCarthyism's Tactics and Impact
Senator Joseph McCarthy's Anti-Communist Campaign
- Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin became the face of the Second Red Scare, leading a campaign against alleged communists in the U.S. government and other institutions
- McCarthy's tactics included making unsubstantiated accusations, using intimidation, and exploiting the media to spread
- He claimed to have lists of known communists working in the State Department and other government agencies, although the numbers and evidence were often exaggerated or fabricated
- McCarthy's investigations targeted individuals in various sectors, including government officials, Hollywood actors and writers, and academics
- The term "McCarthyism" was coined to describe the practice of making unfounded accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence
Consequences of McCarthy's Actions
- McCarthy's actions led to the and ruined careers of many individuals, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship
- Examples include the , a group of writers and directors who were blacklisted for refusing to cooperate with HUAC investigations
- The in 1954, which were televised nationally, exposed McCarthy's controversial tactics and led to a decline in his popularity and influence
- During the hearings, Army lawyer Joseph Welch famously asked McCarthy, "Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?"
- McCarthy's downfall was hastened by his accusations against the U.S. Army, which led to the hearings and revealed his reckless and unsubstantiated allegations
- In December 1954, the Senate voted to censure McCarthy for his conduct, marking a turning point in the Second Red Scare and a repudiation of his tactics
McCarthyism's Effects on America
Impact on Civil Liberties and Political Discourse
- McCarthyism had far-reaching effects on American society, stifling , free speech, and civil liberties
- Many Americans, fearing accusations of communist sympathies, engaged in self-censorship and avoided discussing controversial topics or joining certain organizations
- The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, experienced a significant impact, with the creation of blacklists that prevented suspected communists from working in the field
- McCarthyism influenced political discourse, with politicians and candidates often using anti-communist rhetoric to gain support and discredit opponents
Cultural and Societal Consequences
- The Second Red Scare and McCarthyism contributed to a conformist culture in the 1950s, as people sought to avoid drawing attention to themselves or being labeled as subversive
- This conformity was reflected in popular culture, such as television shows like "Leave It to Beaver" and "Father Knows Best," which depicted idealized, homogeneous American families
- The effects of McCarthyism extended to academia, where professors and students were scrutinized for their political beliefs, leading to a chilling effect on intellectual freedom
- Some universities required faculty members to sign loyalty oaths, and professors who refused or were suspected of communist sympathies faced dismissal
- The fear and suspicion generated by McCarthyism also had a lasting impact on American political culture, contributing to a climate of distrust and paranoia that persisted long after the Second Red Scare ended
Response to Communist Infiltration
Government Actions and Legislation
- The U.S. government responded to the perceived communist threat through various means, including legislation, investigations, and loyalty programs
- The of 1950 required communist organizations to register with the government and allowed for the detention of potential subversives during national emergencies
- The was established to investigate and monitor suspected communist activities
- President Truman's in 1947 initiated a federal employee loyalty program, which led to the investigation and dismissal of numerous government workers
- The loyalty program required federal employees to undergo background checks and answer questions about their political affiliations and associations
- The of 1940, which prohibited advocating the overthrow of the government, was used to prosecute communist party leaders during the Second Red Scare
Public Reaction and Opposition
- The public's response to the Second Red Scare was mixed, with some embracing the anti-communist fervor and others opposing the tactics used by McCarthy and others
- Some individuals and organizations, such as Edward R. Murrow and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), spoke out against McCarthy's methods and the infringement on civil liberties
- Murrow, a prominent journalist, used his television program "See It Now" to criticize McCarthy's tactics and the climate of fear created by the Second Red Scare
- The Second Red Scare and McCarthyism eventually lost public support as the tactics used became more extreme and evidence of widespread communist infiltration remained lacking
- The decline of McCarthyism was marked by the Senate's censure of McCarthy in 1954 and a growing public awareness of the excesses and abuses of the period
- The censure vote, which passed 67-22, was a formal condemnation of McCarthy's conduct and a significant blow to his credibility and influence
Key Terms to Review (20)
Anti-communist paranoia: Anti-communist paranoia refers to the widespread fear and suspicion of communism and communist sympathizers that characterized American society, particularly during the mid-20th century. This intense anxiety was fueled by the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, leading to a culture of mistrust, accusations, and a fervent desire to root out perceived threats. This atmosphere had significant implications for civil liberties and political discourse in the U.S.
Army-McCarthy Hearings: The Army-McCarthy Hearings were a series of hearings held in 1954 before the United States Senate to investigate allegations of communist influence in the Army, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. These hearings marked a significant moment in the larger context of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, as they exposed the aggressive tactics used by McCarthy and his allies to root out suspected communists and ultimately led to a decline in his influence and public support.
Berlin Blockade: The Berlin Blockade was a significant event during the early years of the Cold War, occurring from June 1948 to May 1949, when the Soviet Union blocked all ground routes to West Berlin in an attempt to exert control over the entire city. This blockade was a direct response to the introduction of a new currency in West Germany and the merging of the western zones, which the Soviets viewed as a threat to their influence. The United States and its allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, delivering supplies to West Berliners and showcasing the escalating tensions between East and West.
Blacklisting: Blacklisting is a practice where individuals or groups are denied employment or other opportunities based on perceived affiliations or beliefs, often due to political pressure or fear of dissent. This tactic became particularly notorious during periods of heightened anti-communist sentiment, where those suspected of being communists or sympathizers were systematically excluded from jobs and social organizations. This practice not only targeted actual communists but also many innocent people who were simply accused or associated with leftist ideals.
Ethel Rosenberg: Ethel Rosenberg was an American woman who, along with her husband Julius, was convicted of espionage for allegedly passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Their trial and execution in the early 1950s became a flashpoint in the broader narrative of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, symbolizing the intense fear of communism that gripped the United States at the time.
Executive Order 9835: Executive Order 9835, signed by President Harry S. Truman on March 21, 1947, established a loyalty program for federal employees to investigate their allegiance to the United States. This order laid the groundwork for a broader campaign against perceived communist influences within the government, contributing to the climate of fear and suspicion that characterized McCarthyism and the Red Scare.
Fear and suspicion: Fear and suspicion refers to a pervasive sense of distrust and anxiety that can spread through society, often leading to paranoia and scapegoating of certain groups. In the context of historical events, such emotions can lead to widespread persecution and social unrest, especially during times of political instability or perceived threats, as seen during McCarthyism and the Red Scare.
Hollywood Ten: The Hollywood Ten refers to a group of ten screenwriters and directors who were blacklisted by the Hollywood film industry in the late 1940s for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about their alleged involvement with the Communist Party. This event highlighted the intense scrutiny and paranoia surrounding communist influences in America during the Red Scare, showcasing how fear could lead to censorship and violations of civil liberties.
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC): The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a U.S. congressional committee established in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities among citizens, particularly those suspected of communist ties. Its work intensified during the post-World War II era, coinciding with the rise of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, where fears of communist infiltration in American society led to widespread investigations and accusations.
Joseph McCarthy: Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. senator from Wisconsin who became a prominent figure during the early years of the Cold War, known for his aggressive anti-communist investigations and accusations. His activities, which included claiming that numerous government officials and other prominent figures were communists or communist sympathizers, fueled a climate of fear and suspicion in America, leading to what is known as McCarthyism.
Julius Rosenberg: Julius Rosenberg was an American engineer and convicted spy who, along with his wife Ethel, was accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Their trial and execution in 1953 became emblematic of the fears surrounding espionage and the communist threat during a period marked by intense anti-communist sentiment and government investigations into alleged subversive activities.
Loyalty oaths: Loyalty oaths are formal declarations in which individuals pledge allegiance to a government or organization, often asserting their commitment to its principles and values. During the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, these oaths became a tool for screening public employees and others, aiming to root out suspected communists and subversives in the wake of widespread fear of communist infiltration.
McCarran Internal Security Act: The McCarran Internal Security Act, enacted in 1950, was a U.S. federal law designed to protect national security by monitoring and controlling subversive activities and organizations, particularly those associated with communism. It established provisions for the registration of communist organizations and allowed for the detention of individuals deemed a threat during times of national emergency. This law is crucial to understanding the broader climate of suspicion and fear that characterized the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare.
McCarthyism: McCarthyism refers to the period of intense anti-communist suspicion and fear in the United States during the early 1950s, marked by Senator Joseph McCarthy's aggressive investigations and accusations against alleged communists in government, entertainment, and other sectors. This era is characterized by its culture of fear, where many individuals were blacklisted or lost their jobs based on unproven claims, leading to a significant impact on civil liberties and political discourse.
Political discourse: Political discourse refers to the ways in which language and communication are used to discuss and debate political ideas, ideologies, and policies. It plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, influencing policy decisions, and mobilizing citizens during times of political tension or crisis. In contexts marked by fear and suspicion, such as the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, political discourse became a tool for both promoting anti-communist sentiment and stifling dissent.
Red Scare Hysteria: Red Scare Hysteria refers to the widespread fear and paranoia in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly surrounding the perceived threat of communism and radical leftism. This phenomenon was marked by intense suspicion, accusations, and aggressive government actions against individuals thought to be associated with communist ideology or sympathies, significantly influencing American political and social dynamics.
Second Red Scare: The Second Red Scare refers to the period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States that occurred from the late 1940s into the early 1950s. This era was characterized by widespread fear of communist infiltration in various sectors of society, particularly government and entertainment, leading to aggressive investigations and accusations against suspected communists, most notably through the actions of figures like Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Smith Act: The Smith Act, officially known as the Alien Registration Act of 1940, was a U.S. federal law that made it a criminal offense to advocate the violent overthrow of the government or to be a member of any organization that does so. This law played a significant role during the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, as it was used to target individuals and groups considered subversive, particularly communists and socialist organizations, amplifying the climate of fear and suspicion in post-World War II America.
Subversive Activities Control Board: The Subversive Activities Control Board (SACB) was a United States government agency established in 1950, tasked with investigating and controlling organizations deemed subversive to the government, particularly those associated with communism. It emerged during the height of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, reflecting the intense fear of communist infiltration in American society and institutions.
Truman Doctrine: The Truman Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy initiative announced by President Harry S. Truman in 1947, aimed at countering the spread of communism by providing political, military, and economic assistance to countries resisting Soviet influence. This doctrine marked a significant shift in American foreign policy towards a more interventionist stance during the early years of the Cold War, laying the groundwork for U.S. involvement in various global conflicts.