The Red Scare Flashcards
Who was Alger Hiss?
US government official accused of spying and convicted of perjury.
His case is considered a high-profile example of Soviet infiltration.
What did Klaus Fuchs do?
Came under suspicion for passing nuclear secrets to the Soviets.
He warned the US about atomic bomb developments.
What happened to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg?
Arrested and executed for passing atomic secrets to the Soviets in 1953.
Their case became a symbol of the Cold War.
Who were Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean?
British spies exposed as Soviet agents who passed nuclear codes.
They were part of the Cambridge Spy Ring.
What significant event occurred in 1949 related to the Soviet Union?
The Soviet Union successfully tested its atomic bomb.
This marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War.
What was the outcome of the 1948 poll regarding President Truman?
73% of Americans considered Truman too soft on the Soviets.
This reflected growing concerns about communism.
What was McCarthyism?
A campaign led by Senator Joseph McCarthy accusing individuals of being communists.
It resulted in widespread fear and the loss of jobs for many.
What did McCarthy claim in his 1950 speech?
He claimed there were communists in the State Department, naming 205 individuals.
The number he provided was later disputed.
What did the Tydings Committee report about McCarthy?
Reported McCarthy as a fraud.
Mallory Tydings led this investigation.
What was the impact of McCarthy’s investigations?
Hundreds of government employees, schoolteachers, and college professors lost their jobs.
This contributed to the climate of fear during the Red Scare.
True or False: The Communist Party had significant successes in the late 1940s.
True.
This included the Soviet atomic bomb and the fall of China to communism.
What actions did the US take regarding freedom of speech and censorship?
Began stifling freedom of speech and censoring books
This reflects the political climate during the Cold War era.
Who was a significant political figure affected by the censorship actions?
Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson
His candidacy was impacted by the political atmosphere of the time.
What did Nixon do in relation to anti-communist investigations?
Made some investigations into anti-communist activities
Nixon played a key role in the Red Scare.
What was the focus of HUAC’s investigations?
Investigated left-wing individuals and Hollywood-centered communist conspiracy
This included notable figures in the entertainment industry.
What was the outcome for the Hollywood 10?
Convicted of contempt of Congress and received a 1-year prison sentence
The Hollywood 10 were a group of directors and writers.
What was Truman’s responsibility in the context of the Red Scare?
Tried to scare Americans to gain support for the Truman Doctrine
The Truman Doctrine aimed to contain communism.
What executive order did Truman issue?
Investigation into the loyalty of federal employees
This was part of a broader effort to ensure loyalty during the Cold War.
What was Truman’s later view on anti-communist measures?
Thought the hunt for communists went too far
Reflects a shift in perspective on anti-communist actions.
Who did Truman compare FBI Chief J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI to?
Gestapo
This comparison highlights concerns about civil liberties during the Red Scare.
