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The Red Scare: Fear and Paranoia in Cold War America

The Red Scare in the United States marked a period of intense fear of Communist infiltration, spurred by events such as the Chinese Communist Revolution and the Soviet acquisition of atomic weapons. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) targeted Hollywood, while Senator Joseph McCarthy's reckless accusations against hundreds fueled national paranoia. Accusations culminated in the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for espionage. Amidst the Arms Race and the Space Race, American society grappled with threats of communism and the looming fear of nuclear warfare.

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The Red Scare: Fear and Paranoia in Cold War America

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  1. Chapter 27 Section 2 The Red Scare

  2. The Red Scare • The Red Scare: A fear of Communist infiltration in America • U.S. officials feared communist elements were everywhere in America • HUAC: House Un-American Activities Committee. Launched hearings to expose Communist influence in Hollywood, especially the movie industry • Contributing factors: Chinese Communist Revolution, 1949; Soviets getting atomic weaponry, 1949.

  3. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg • Accused of passing atomic secrets to the Russians in 1951 • Members of American Communist Party • Executed in 1953 for Espionage (spying)

  4. Joseph McCarthy • Republican senator from Wisconsin • Accused hundreds of people as being Communists (especially in U.S. State Department)

  5. Joseph McCarthy • "I have here in my hand a list of 205 names that were known to the Secretary of State as being members of the Communist Party and who, nevertheless, are still working and shaping policy in the State Department."

  6. McCarthyism • Reckless charges against innocent citizens • Never backed up his claims – just accused • Nationally televised Army-McCarthy hearings (Attacks U.S. Army of “coddling Commies” • McCarthy forced to ‘name-names’ on live TV • Unable to do so

  7. The Arms Race • The competition between the US and Soviet Union over the build-up of nuclear weapons • Included testing of the Hydrogen Bomb • American reaction: • Students conducted “Duckand Cover” drills • Home built with bomb shelters

  8. The Space Race • Begun in 1957 when Soviets launched first artificial satellite – Sputnik • If Soviets could launch a satellite, they could launch missiles to reach the US

  9. Brinksmanship • Pres. Eisenhower’s modification of Truman’s containment policy • Idea to go to the “brink” of war to oppose communism

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