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Communists in America. What happens during the “Red Scare”?. The Red Scare 1940s & 1950s. Soviet domination of Eastern Europe & Loss of China had many in US worried – are there communists in America? Loyalty Review Board, 1947 Some Republicans claim Truman was soft on Communism
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Communists in America What happens during the “Red Scare”?
The Red Scare 1940s & 1950s • Soviet domination of Eastern Europe & Loss of China had many in US worried – are there communists in America? Loyalty Review Board, 1947 • Some Republicans claim Truman was soft on Communism • Truman sets up program to investigate “disloyal” govt employees • 3.2 million employees dismissed House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), 1947 • Investigated different organization & industries but Hollywood film industry is hit hardest • Hollywood Ten: Entertainers who refused to testify were sent to prison, entertainers suspected of communist connections blacklisted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds2SDTFXIgM
1. Identify people & objects 2. What are symbols? 3. Identify actions 4. What point is cartoonist trying to make?
Spying Against the US Alger Hiss • Accused of spying for the Soviet Union, prosecuted by Congressman Richard Nixon, • Hiss claimed his innocence, sent to prison for perjury Ethel & Julius Rosenberg • Suspected in helping the Soviets develop their atomic bomb (1949) • Denied guilt but plead the 5th, found guilty & executed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnCC2gYmAMk&feature=related
McCarthyism • Joseph McCarthy, Senator who claims communist are taking over gov • Accuses people of being communist usually with no evidence • Accuses Democrats of allowing “communist infiltration” • 1954: Senate investigations are televised • CBS news reporter Ed Murrow goes after McCarthy • McCarthy loses public support, censure by Senate • Suffering from alcoholism, he dies 3 years later
Communism in the 50s: Good Night & Good Luck • What are employees of CBS being asked to do? • How are US citizens being denied civil liberties? • What does Murrow say in his report about the Airforce accusations? • After the report, what accusations are made about Murrow? How does CBS respond? • How does Senator McCarthy respond to Murrow’s criticisms? • How does Murrow respond to McCarthy? • How does the CBS President react to Murrow’s reports against McCarthy?