McCarthyism & Anti-Communism

1. McCarthyism & Anti-Communism The Red Scare Of The 1940’s – 1950’s

2. The Beginnings • Bolshevik Revolution (1917) – creates anti-immigrant sentiments and fears of subversion. • Created in 1938, the actions of the House of Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) intensified in 1947. • Investigated the film industry.

3. Smith Act • Truman’s persistent prosecution of the American Communist Party. • Resulted in over 200 jail terms, and the formation of the Federal Loyalty Program. • “Loyalty Boards” – investigated the influence and infiltration of communists and communist sympathizers in the executive branch.

4. McCurran Internal Security Act • Became law over the veto of the president. • Required the registration of all communist groups with the federal governments and their documents were not considered private. • Karl Fuchs and the Rosenbergs • Execution of the Rosenbergs

5. Senator Joseph McCarthy • Wisconsin Senator • Conducted “Communist Witch Hunts” that consumed the U.S. from 1950-54. • Political advantage not to oppose McCarthy. • Democrats were often the target of his attacks.

6. McCarthy Cont… • McCarthy’s accusations were loud, but inconsistent. • Began using his committee to investigate many areas of the federal government. • Criticized Truman administration. • N. Korea’s invasion of S. Korea further justified McCarthy’s claims

7. McCarthy’s Downfall • Army – McCarthy hearings (1954) • The televised hearings revealed in abusive, rude, and evasive McCarthy. • A full Senate voted 67 to 22 to condemn him for abuse of power. • However, the Government’s hunt for subversives continued into the 1960’s. • McCarthyism in America

8. Social & Cultural Effects • Film industry was affected significantly by the blacklisting of writers and actors. • Producers were careful not to present any theme that remotely endorsed communism or even a challenge to the existing order. • Evil communists were the antagonists in over 40 Hollywood films.

9. Social & Cultural Effects • Television was used to promote anti-Soviet passions and support for US defense and foreign policy. • Live broadcasts of nuclear explosions and news coverage of political figures.

10. Social & Cultural Effects • The education system served to teach all students the norms of citizenship and the “common” values of U.S. society. • Pledge of Allegiance • National Defense Education Act (NDEA) 1958 • Federal Civil Defense Administration (FCDA) • Duck and Cover PSA

11. Social & Cultural Effects • Pop artists recorded songs directly related to the Cold War or nuclear disaster. • Modern art was accused of being communist. • The atomic bomb led to “nuclear holocaust literature.”

12. U.S. Society & Culture • Society reflected a desire for national unity and fear of communism and nuclear war. • Popular culture played to popular themes and did not challenge the prevailing conventional wisdom. • Challenges to the establishment were seen as UN-AMERICAN.

13. The Smurfs – Little blue commies or not? • You decide…. The Communist Smurfs?