McCarthyism and the Red Scare

Question 1

The House of Un- American activities committee (HUAC)

Answer 1

Founded in 1938, became permanent in 1945 they investigated communist infiltration through high profile figures. In 1947 they began investigating Hollywood communists.

Question 2

The Alger Hiss affair

Answer 2

1950, he was convicted of perjury as he lied about passing on information to the USSR whilst working for the US government

Question 3

Senator Joe McCarthy

Answer 3

used the Alger Hiss affair to promote the idea that communist were working in government, was voted the worst senator and fell from power when he accused Acheson and Marshall of communism.

Question 4

J. Edgar Hoover

Answer 4

Head of FBI which hunted communists, he referred to teachers as reducators.

Question 5

The Hollywood Blacklist

Answer 5

Denied employment to people been or believed to have been communists in American entertainment. An example of the been Charlie Chaplin the FBI prosecuted him as communist.

Question 6

The Rosenburgs

Answer 6

Ethel and Julius were the only Americans executed for espionage (spying) as they ‘passed on nuclear secrets to USSR’.