Red Scare and McCarthyism Handout

Who were the "Hollywood Ten" and what were they accused of doing in the House Un-American Activities Committee?

A group of 10 Americans that were investigated for possible communist beliefs or threats. The Hollywood Ten were a part of the American Film Industry and were sentenced to 6 - 12 months in prison.

What was the result of the "Hollywood Ten" refusing to testify?

After refusing to testify at the HUAC hearings in 1947, Trumbo was convicted of contempt of Congress. The following year, he and the party went their separate ways. In 1950, after exhausting the appeals process, he spent 11 months in a federal prison in Ashland, Ky.

How did the election of 1952 increase the power of Senator McCarthy?

After the election Eisenhower appointed McCarthy as head of a new commission to investigate Communist activities in government.

Explain the major charge that Senator McCarthy's speech presented.

Apparently the Secretary of State knew of many people working with him that were part of the communist party and were secret spies.

Explain what is meant by "blacklisted."

Blacklisting is the action of a group or authority, compiling a blacklist of people to be avoided or distrusted as being deemed unacceptable to those making the list

What was the general view of communism in the 1940s and 1950s? What specific events led to this?

Communists were often referred to as "Reds" for their allegiance to the red Soviet flag,led to a range of actions that had a profound and enduring effect on U.S. government and society.

Why did the number of people on the list change?

He changed the number because he didn't have a list and he was lying.

How did President Truman describe this problem?

He described this problem being un-American. He said how we were making scientists change their views or theories to match the changes in the states propaganda line.

Explain Mr. Hays's arguments that the communist influence in other countries is different than in the United States.

He said that the he was not scared of the communist in America because we had a very timid society. People were scared to speak out about what they believed in because they would be shut down or called out.

Describe who McCarthy targeted during this period.

He targeted communist in the army and people that were high up in power.

How does Ms. Brennan describe Senator Joe McCarthy?

He was not a well senator. He would call other names. Had an edge to him. He had a photo memory. He lied a lot and made up many things. He didn't do much.

How did Senator McCarthy's claims spread?

His claims spread by radio and newspapers.

Explain the charges that Ethel and Julius Rosenberg faced. What was the result of this?

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg who were executed after having been found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage. The charges were in relation to the passing of information about the American atomic bomb to the Soviet Union.

What argument did the "Hollywood Ten" give in their defense?

The Hollywood Ten invoked the First Amendment as part of their defense, arguing that they had the right to belong to whatever political organization they chose.

Explain the backlash that scientists faced during the Red Scare.

The backlash that scientists faced during the cold war was that they were hard to trust so they had to take an oath to gain clearance to work on government projects

What was the historical context of Senator McCarthy's speech?

The historical context of his speech was he talked about the war and Christians and atheists and everything that was going on.

What were the problems with this backlash?

The problem with this backlash was that none of the top scientists wanted to take the oath, so none of the top scientists that was needed to help beat the Russian to the moon or make the next atomic weapon was getting clearance to do so

How did the public's opinion of Joseph McCarthy charge during these hearings?

The public saw that he was a heavy drinker and he would interrupt people. They saw how rude he was and would mock him.

Explain the decline in Senator McCarthy's influence and power.

When they showed his hearings on TV he lost a lot of influence and power because of how he had been acting. Then a young lawyer came after him and called him out. They ended up censoring McCarthy

According to Mr. Hays, what is the problem with this search for communists?

it goes against democratic values and free speech

Describe the political context for Senator McCarthy's speech.

propelled him into the national spotlight

What tactics did Senator McCarthy use during the Senate committee hearing?

He used bullying tactics.