Alger Hiss Flashcards
When did suspicions of Hiss’s loyalties become public and how?
August 1948, Whittaker Chambers (editor of Time) appeared before HUAC and named Hiss as a government official he had known in a Communist spy groups in the 1930s
How did the public initially react to the accusations against Hiss?
Supported Hiss and HUAC intended to drop the case until Richard Nixon successfully urged that the conflicting testimony be pursued
What happened in Hiss’s trial?
Some sections of his story fell apart, denied knowing Chambers then acknowledged he did know Chambers, the incongruities damaged his credibility, had support from many respected Washington figures, Chambers produced documents showing he and Hiss had carried out espionage for the USSR military intelligence agency, Hiss was indicted on two counts of perjury and sentenced in 1950 to 5 years (served 3 yrs 8 months)
What was the aftermath of Hiss’ trial?
Gave substance to fears that Soviet espionage was a serious problem, Republicans pointed to the case as evidence that Roosevelt’s and Truman’s administrations had been lax in regard to Communism and espionage, during the 1970s and 80s widespread support for Hiss, looked like the victim of anti-communist hysteria
