The Cold War at Home

The Cold War at Home Chapter 19: Section 1 Ms. Garratt

Resentment of the New Deal • The programs created under the New Deal were dramatic departures from any previous legislation. • The role of government grew exponentially • Many felt this was the result of Communist subversion • This led to the formation of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) which was created to investigate Communist infiltration and influence in the US government. • As WWII got underway the nation focused on war. • After the war tension between the US & USSR deepened and the HUAC was resurrected.

New Fears of Soviets • Following the war Americans had new reasons to fear the Soviets • Refusal to hold “free elections” in eastern Europe • Development of the atomic bomb • Ideological differences • Memories of Stalin’s purges and the COMINTERM

The American Communist Party • During the Great Depression the American Communist party reached its peak. • “Interest in communism became a chic intellectual trend…in a time of extensive poverty, racial injustice and abuse of workers by powerful corporations.” • Communism held out hope for a better world. • It had not yet been tainted by the evil and repressive actions by Stalin. • By the end of WWII interest in communism was virtually nonexistent. • Concern had changed from “interest” to “fear”

The Alger Hiss Case Many felt that Communists had influence the New Deal. • HUAC hoped to prove this. • Opportunity arose when Whittaker Chambers, former American Communist, told HUAC that Alger Hiss was a communist. • Hiss was perfect example for HUAC to show communist influence Why? • He was member of Yalta delegation • He clerked for Supreme Court justice, Oliver Wendell Holmes • Had served in many capacities in US government • Was involved in organization considered “soft” on communism

Nixon staked reputation on Hiss’s guilt

Proof in a Pumpkin Patch • The hearings on Hiss proved nothing. • Richard Nixon led the questioning which some called “brilliant” others called “ruthless.” • Hiss’s reputation was smeared but nothing proven until Whittaker Chambers led investigators to a pumpkin patch where top secret documents were found. • Hiss was sentenced to 5 years for perjury

Julius & Ethel Rosenberg • Accused of sending Soviets specifications for the atomic bomb. • Sentenced to death. • Went to their death protesting their innocence. • They were offered a deal but declined. • Resently unearthed Soviet documents indicate guilt.

Truman Joins Red Hunt • More anti-communist than FDR however accused of “losing China” and being too “soft.” • He instituted the Federal Employee Loyalty Program • Fed employees required to swear loyalty • Checks to preserve civil rights were often abused. • More than 3 million appeared before loyalty boards as suspects. • 3000 were forced to resign; 212 fired although no positive proof of subversion or espionage was ever found

McCarran Act 1950 • Did not outlaw Communist party but made any activity designed to create a communist government illegal. • Passed by Congress, vetoed by Truman but easily overrode by Congress.

McCarthyism • In 1950 he announces that he has names of 205 Communists working in the government although exact numbers changed to 81 or 57. • Many at first saw him as lone crusader searching for traitors • His tactics were ruthless & he went after people without just cause • He ruined people’s careers

McCarthy Censured by Senate • McCarthy emboldened by his reckless accusations then went after the US Army. • Army attorney Joseph Welch tore McCarthy’s unfounded accusations apart on public TV • In 1954 the Senate voted to condemn or censure McCarthy

Blacklisting • Vigilantes – self appointed enforcers or judges of justice branded people as Communists. • Advertisers wanted nothing to do anything even remotely connected to Communism & pulled ads • Entertainment industry was hurt as employees were blacklisted. • One group, AWARE, had ruined many people • They were sued and loss the case

The End….

The Cold War at Home