Chapter 7: McCarthyism Flashcards
By 1950, what had happened regarding the USSR which caused fear in the USA?
The USSR had successfully tested atomic technology, China was communist, China had formed an alliance with the USSR and NSC-68 had been issued.
What was the perspective of the US public?
There was a growing mood of anti-communism among the general US public after the War.
What was the House of Un-American Activities Committee?
A committee which carried out extensive investigations on the patriotism and political affiliations of Hollywood filmmakers. It investigated a large number of high prfile movie figures. E.g Alger Hiss 1950.
What did the conviction of Alger Hiss spark?
He was convicted of having lied about passing on information to the USSR while working for the US State Department during 1937=1938. Sparked criticism on Truman#s foreign policy: too soft on communism and responsibly for the loss of China. Prime mover in this was Joseph McCarthy.
What was the motive behind McCarthy’s pressure on Truman’s administration?
Designed to tighten the government’s attitude towards the notion of a communist global plot that threatened the USA. Promoted the idea that there was an army of communist conspirators working within the US government, influencing its policies e.g Alger Heiss.
Who else was a significant figure in the McCarthy years?
The head of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover. He referred to teachers as ‘Reducators’.
How did McCarthy attack the UN?
Attacked the UN as favouring left-wring and liberal causes.
What did McCarthy claim in 1954?
Made the claim that ‘Reds’ had infiltrated the US Army.
What was the result of McCarthy’s ridiculous claims in 1954?
December 1954 the US Senate voted in favour of McCarthy being guilty of having brought the body into disrepute. This finished McCarthy and all those who had joined his anti-Communist bandwagon.
What influence did McCarthy have?
Caused a shift of attention from Europe to the Far East. He emphasised the urgency of moving US policy away from a Eurocentric focus and towards policies with a more determined ‘Asia first’ viewpoint. Took the view that Asia was much less secure in terms of communism than Europe.
What was McCarthy’s view of Truman’s handling of the Korean War?
Took the view that the Korean War would not have happened were it not for Truman’s failure to support the Chinese nationalists against Mao Zedong and his failure to recognise the importance of the threat o the continuing spread of communism in Asia
What was the status of Britain in the Cold War by the 1950s?
It was clear that Britain could no longer maintain its early pre-War role as the USA’s main partner in Europe. Britain was becoming increasingly concerned about what it saw as the USA’s more aggressive Cold War thinking.
What was Britain concerned about specifically regarding the Cold War; in Korea?
Britain was concerned, for example, that the USA’s aggressive stance over Korea might lead to the USSR destabilising urope while the international community was focused on Asia. Viewed the USA’s growing ‘Asia first’ thinking as dangerous. Korean War placed in jeopardy the stability and territorial status quo that NATO had established.
Despite Britain’s concerns about Korea, what were its actions?
Britain’s primary concern was to remain a close ally of the USA and it was this that assumed overriding priortity. Therefore, Britain made a significant military contribution to the allied war effort in Korea.
