Chapter 18: Cold War Conflicts

1. Chapter 18: Cold War Conflicts Section 3: The Cold War At Home

2. Objective… Describe the government’s efforts to investigate the loyalty of U.S. citizens. A propaganda comic book published in 1947 that raised the concern of a Communist takeover in America. Propaganda film: How to spot a Communist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkYl_AH-qyk&feature=related

3. Fear of Communist Influence • Why were Americans worried about the security of the United States? • The Soviet controlof Eastern Europe • Communist take over in China • 100K Americans in Communist Party has grown

4. 2. What was the purpose of the Loyalty Review Board? • Established by Truman in reaction to being called “soft on Communism” • Investigated government employees for “loyalty” • Results… 3.2M investigated • Identified subversive groups • Fired 212… Forced 2,900 to resign How did the Loyalty program violate civil liberties?

5. 3. What did the House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) do? • Investigated “un-American” activities • Investigated the Hollywood film industry • HUAC believed that Hollywood film writes & directors were sneaking Communist propaganda into films HUAC: House Un-American Activities Committee… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzV6-wJ3SQ

6. HUACHearing 1947: Director of the FBI Herbert Hoover warns HUAC that communists had launched "a furtive attack on Hollywood." Richard Nixon at a HUAC meeting

7. HUAC: The Hollywood Tenhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07buRRJ6s4k&feature=related • 1947: HUAC investigates Hollywood • The Hollywood Ten… • The “Hollywood Blacklists”… A list of screenwriters, actors & directors barred from working in Hollywood because of their alleged membership in Communist Party

8. Protesting in support of the Hollywood Ten

9. What commentary is this cartoon making on the HUAC hearings?

10. Activity #1: “Un-American”? Directions: Read the following excerpt from House Resolution 282, the legislation that established the House Un-American Activities Committee in May 1938. When you have finished, make a list of activities that you think might qualify as “un-American.” Be prepared to share your answers with the class. “Resolved, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives be, and he is hereby, authorized to appoint a special committee to be composed of seven members for the purpose of conducting an investigation of (1) the extent, character, and object of un-American propaganda activities in the United States, (2) the diffusion within the United States of subversives and un-American propaganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by the Constitution, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary remedial legislation.”* What sort of activities do you consider “un-American”?

11. The Alger Hiss Case • Hiss was a U.S. State Dept. official accused of being a Soviet spy. • Whittaker Chambers, a former Communist Party member, before HUAC that Hiss had been a Communist while working for the State Dept. • Called before HUAC, Hiss categorically denied the charge, but was eventually convicted of perjury 1945 Truman (Hiss left of HST)

12. R.M. Nixon examines micro film during the Hiss case Whittaker Chambers Whittaker Chambers testifies before HUAC The “Pumpkin Papers” key evidence in the Hiss case http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnCC2gYmAMk

13. Julius & Ethel Rosenberg • Julius & Ethel Rosenberg were Jewish American communists. • The Rosenberg's were convicted & executed for passing atomic bomb secrets to the Soviets • The first execution of civilians for espionage in US history

14. Julius & Ethel Rosenberg

15. Writing & directing Hollywood films that had Communistic influence on American society Unconstitutional… violated civil liberties Blacklists Yes… Later evidence was produced indicating his guilt Being a Soviet spy Maintained his innocence, but was convicted of perjury Perceived as unfair, but later evidence proved both were spies and Julius had passed secrets Passing atomic secrets to the Soviets Sentenced to death in the electric chair

16. Objective… Describe the effects of Senator Joseph McCarthy investigating alleged Communist influence in the U.S.

17. Senator Joseph McCarthy McCarthyism / “Witch Hunts” McCarthy testifying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maLIXQLxvvA&feature=related Who were the targets of McCarthyism… In most cases those that could not defend themselves

18. Communism was a real fear • The spy cases increased fear • Republicans thought he would help them win the 1952 elections On television he made accusations against an Army official… He provided no evidence & bullied the witnesses • America needed to fight back against the threat of Communism

19. What commentary is this cartoon making on the actions of Senator Joe McCarthy?

20. What commentary is this cartoon making on the actions of Senator Joe McCarthy?

21. The Legacy of McCarthyism • McCarran Act is passed • The abuse of government power & authority • Basic freedoms were compromised • Dissent is dangerous • US Gov. investigates: Unions, librarians, teachers, reporters, entertainers & scientists

22. Objective… Compare the Red Scare of the 1920s to the Red Scare of the 1940s & 50s.