Causes of the Second Red Scare: heightened tensions Flashcards
1
Q
There were communist spies in America
A
- There were 221 Russian spies in the USA in 1941
- The Russians knew more about the development of the atomic bomb than Truman, FDR’s vice president
2
Q
The Russian’s revealed they had an atomic bomb
A
- In 1949, the Russians revealed that they had developed their own atomic bomb
- In 1953, revealed that they had their own hydrogen bomb
- Immediately after WW2, Russia began developing missiles that could be used against America
3
Q
The House of Un-American Activities Committee was set up in 1938
A
- Was set up to deal with anyone deemed a threat to American (Russians or Nazis):
- Allowed the FBI to investigate any gov. worker who they had ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe may be a threat to America
- 1947-54: expanded its sphere of influence:
- Over 3,000 employees forced to resign following investigation
- Began to traget Hollywood and those involved in the theatre - many actors had been involved in making pro-Russian films during the way and remain sympathetic to communism
4
Q
The Republican Party had lost five successive Presidential elections and wanted to regain power
A
- They portrayed Democrats as ‘soft on Communism’
- In 1949, China became Communist. The Rep. blamed President Truman for ‘losing China’ and claimed that he could have done more to prevent Mao from taking over
5
Q
Alger Hiss Trial (1950) seemed to prove that Communists had infiltrated the highest levels of American government
A
- Alger Hiss worked for the American gov. and knew many top government advisors
- A Communist sympathiser in America accused him of being a communist spy
- Hiss was put on trial and found guilty of supplying diplomatic secrets to the Russians
6
Q
Trade union membership and activity increased, leading many to fear a working-class revolution
A
- In 1946, 4.6 million workers (over 10% of the work force) went on strike
- General Motors employees demanded wage increases of 35%
