2. What can we learn about the causes and consequences of the anti-communist movement in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s by looking at the lives of individuals?

Question 1

What was the initial name of HUAC (House Committee on Un-American Activities) and who was its Chair?

Answer 1

Martin Dies, The Dies Committee, House of Representatives

Question 2

When was HUAC established and why?

Answer 2

1938 to target fascism in the US

Question 3

What was the Hollywood 10?

Answer 3

Screenwriters/directors – everyone went to the movies, sometimes more then once a week, pre-TV, Communist ideas could be spread & turn people - brought before the HUAC trial

Question 4

What was the Internal Security Act?

Answer 4

1950, called for the registration of communist party members, unconstitutional

Question 5

What was the Loyalty Act?

Answer 5

1947, put forward by President Truman, makes members of government, teachers etc. swear an oath of allegience to the US

Question 6

Which important organisation was an ally of HUAC?

Answer 6

FBI, surveillence

Question 7

What was McCarthyism?

Answer 7

Joseph McCarthy (Senate), accusation without proof, didn’t turn up any spies, Army-McCarthy Hearings 1954, Edward R. Murrow See It Now

Question 8

What was the Smith Act?

Answer 8

1940, targets the Communist Party, convictions upheld by Supreme Court, crime to support the overthrowment of the government or to support organisations espousing such doctrines