Mcarthyism Flashcards
Why did Joseph McCarthy lose popularity?
He accused 45 army officers with no proof
When was the HUAC formed?
1938
What did the HUAC do?
Investigated suspected communists in the goverment, workplaces and media/film industry.
What did McCarthy do if people spoke out against him?
Accused them of being communists or communist supporter which would get you sacked
Give an example of someone’s reputation McCarthy ruined?
Charlie Chaplin - had to leave America to find work
H.U.A.C
House Un-American activities committee
When was the second ‘Red scare” ?
1950s
What caused the 2nd red scare?
At end of WW2 the cold war began between communist USSR and capitalist America - many Eastern Europe countries became communist under Soviet Union influence.
What did Senator Joseph McCarthy claim in 1950?
He had a list of over 200 communists working within the goverment.
What did President Truman introduce?
The Loyalty Programme
What was The Loyalty Programme?
Allowed the FBI to investigate government employees and sack any suspects - millions were investigated but none were guilty.
What happened 10 film-makers that were investigated by HUAC in 1947?
Refused to say whether they were communist (argued a democratic country should allow free choice) They went to jail for a year and mostly couldn’t find work after
What was Joseph McCarthy?
Senator - not part of HUAC
How did the senate respond to McCarthys accusations?
Set up its own committee to investigate (not HUAC) and its hearings were shown on TV
How did many see McCarthy?
As a hero so his accusations were very damaging.
