(The end of post-war euphoria) The House of Un-American Affairs Committee Flashcards
When was HUAC initially set up and why?
How had this changed by the end of WW2?
1938 to deal with possible German agents spying and subversion.
Used in same way against possible communist subversion.
What did the Smith Act of 1940 allow?
The prosecution of anyone who supported and promoted communism.
What act allowed the prosecution of anyone who supported and promoted communism?
The Smith Act of 1940
How did President Truman help build anti-communist feelings?
Stating the USSR was a threat not to just Europe but the whole of the democratic world.
Give evidence of communist paranoia becoming a significant aspect of people’s lives.
In 1954, it was illegal to be seen talking to a known communist in Birmingham, Alabama.
What did HUAC investigate?
What they believed to be communist infiltration within America.
How were investigations carried out by HUAC?
Televised and reported in newspapers and radios.
How did media coverage contribute to paranoia about communism?
Whipped up hysteria, creating a fear of ‘reds under the beds’.
The case of Alger Hiss:
Hiss (________ official) was accused of __________ & giving ____________ to a ________ former _______ in 19___.
Denied ____ but found _____ of _____ to ____ in 19__ after a widely _______ trial.
a) state department
b) communist sympathies
c) US government documents
d) self-confessed
e) communist
f) 1938
g) charges
h) lying to HUAC in 1950
i) publicised
How did Republicans feel about Truman’s (Democrat) approach to communism?
He was being too ‘soft’ and should’ve been more proactive in foreign policy - this would’ve stopped China from becoming communist.
Outline the Hollywood 10 (2).
In late 40s, HUAC accused directors of making films with communist content to brainwash people.
The Hollywood 10 were fired & blacklisted due to supposed ‘communist affiliations’.
What Hollywood film starts/makers come out in support of HUAC?
Walt Disney
Ronald Regan
Name a member of the Hollywood 10.
Dalton Trumbo
Other than Hollywood, where else was HUAC very interested?
Why?
Labour unions
They were linked to communism
