Why did the Red Scare develop in the USA in the 1940s and 50s? Flashcards
What was another name for communist hunting in the USA?
McCarthyism
Name the event where the USA gave millions of dollars to struggling countries in Europe after WWII.
The Marshall Plan
Explain an effect of the Marshall Plan.
It showed the USA were willing to do anything to stop the spread of communism.
Russia saw this as the USA trying to bribe other countries to remain non-Communist.
What methods did McCarthy use of communist hunting?
He made TV appearances where he said he had the names of Communists working in the US government.
Accused anyone who questioned him of being a Communist.
He made fake photographs which showed important US government officials with Communist leaders.
Describe what happened during the Berlin Blockade.
After WWII, Berlin was controlled by the USA, Russia, Britain and France. Russia wanted the people of Berlin to vote for a communist government in the elections so they blocked off all of the transport routes to the sections controlled by the other countries. They hoped this would stop supplies getting to these people so they would have to rely on Russia for food. The USA flew supplies into the three sections to stop this from happening.
Why did people begin to oppose McCarthy?
He began to hunt communists in the army and publicly accused old war heroes such as General Zwicker of being Communist.
What was the Rosenberg Case?
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were accused of passing atomic bomb secrets to the Russians. The evidence was very weak and did not clearly show that they were guilty. However the Rosenbergs were found guilty and executed.
Name the event where film writers were arrested for refusing to give evidence about their political beliefs.
The Hollywood Ten
Which ex-advisor to the President was put in prison for lying to the court?
Alger Hiss
Which country supported North Korea during the Korean War and why did they support them?
Russia because North Korea were Communist.
How were the USA involved in the Korean War?
The United Nations sent mainly US troops to fight with South Korea after North Korea invaded them.
What effect did the Korean War have?
It showed the USA were terrified of communism taking over and were willing to use violence to stop it spreading.
What was the effect of the Red Scare on the people in the USA?
People became suspicious of each other and were scared of doing or saying anything that could be seen as being a communist idea.
