Questions and Answers
Who were the Hollywood Ten?
The Hollywood Ten were a group of producers and writers who were investigated because they were believed to be communists.
When were the Hollywood Ten under investigation?
1947
What were the Hollywood Ten accused of?
Being communist and using their positions in Hollywood to spread communist views.
What happened at the trial of the Hollywood Ten? (Select all that apply)
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What did the Hollywood Ten plead?
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What does HUAC stand for?
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What did HUAC do?
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What were the consequences of the Hollywood Ten case? (Select all that apply)
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Study Notes
Hollywood Ten Overview
- The Hollywood Ten comprised writers and producers investigated for alleged communist affiliations, including notable names like Alvah Bessie, John Howard Lawson, and Dalton Trumbo.
- Investigation occurred in 1947 during a period of heightened anti-communist sentiment in the United States.
Accusations and Trial
- The group was accused of utilizing their Hollywood platforms to advocate for communist ideologies.
- During their trial, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) held them accountable for suspected communist influence in the film industry.
- The Hollywood Ten collectively invoked their First Amendment rights, refusing to answer HUAC's inquiries.
- In April 1948, they were found in contempt of Congress, resulting in a $1,000 fine and a one-year prison sentence for each member.
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)
- HUAC stands for House Un-American Activities Committee, a governmental body formed to investigate communist influence both domestically and abroad.
- In 1947, HUAC focused significant scrutiny on the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood.
Consequences of the Hollywood Ten Case
- The case led to the establishment of loyalty boards by the FBI to investigate government employees, driven by fears of communist infiltration.
- All members of the Hollywood Ten faced blacklisting in the industry, which severely hindered their careers; some worked under pseudonyms to continue their careers.
- A broader wave of investigations into suspected communists in Hollywood ensued, leading to an extensive blacklist that ruined many careers in the entertainment sector.
- An atmosphere of fear permeated the creative industries, resulting in an increase in patriotic and "safe" content while controversial subjects were largely avoided.
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Description
This quiz explores the Hollywood Ten, a group of writers and producers who were investigated for alleged communist affiliations during a wave of anti-communist sentiment in 1947. Learn about their accusations, trial, and the implications of their First Amendment rights as they faced HUAC. Discover key figures and events that marked this significant period in American history.
