McCarthyism and the Red Scare in the 1940s

Question 1

The House Committee on Un-American Activities 1938

Answer 1

It was set up by Congress in 1938 to investigate those suspected of supporting Communism

For example, Charlie Chaplin, a British citizen, being forced to leave the USA

Question 2

McCarthyism 1950

• His power

Answer 2

In 1953, McCarthy was subsequently given control of the Senate Committee on Government Operations and its subcommittee on Investigations.

Question 3

The development of the ‘Red Scare’

• External developments

Answer 3

1) China fell to the Communists in 1949
2) The development of the Cold War in Europe in the years after 1945
3) The increasing involvement in, particularly the Korean War, intensified the fear of the spread of Communism to the USA

Question 4

The development of the ‘Red Scare’

• Developments in the USA

Answer 4

Communists had infiltrated many branches of US government durning the war

The Soviets later claimed that they had 221 operatives spying in the various branches of government.

Question 5

The Loyalty Review Board 1947

Answer 5

Truman introduced the Loyalty Review Board to check up on government employees.

Within 4 years at least 1,200 had been dismissed and a further 6,000 resigned.