Post WWI Red Scare Chapter 13 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Red Scare?

A time of economic prosperity

A military conflict

A fear of radical leftism or communism promoted in the media (correct)

An era of significant immigration to the U.S.

What were the main causes of the Red Scare?

World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, the end of WWI, and anarchists mailing bombs.

When did the first Red Scare occur?

Just after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and during WWI.

What triggered the second Red Scare?

Fear of communist espionage after World War II. Signup and view all the answers

What was HUAC?

A government committee that investigated disloyal and subversive people. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Loyalty Program initiated by Truman?

To root out communism from government positions. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Hollywood 10 accused of?

Using communist propaganda in their films. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Rosenbergs?

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, executed for espionage. Signup and view all the answers

What was Alger Hiss accused of?

Being a Soviet spy and communist. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Soviet Union achieve in 1949?

They tested their first atomic bomb. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Korean War?

To reunite North and South Korea. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict began in 1965 involving U.S. soldiers?

The Vietnam War. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Red Scare Overview

Red Scare refers to the promotion of fear regarding radical leftism and communism, often amplified by media coverage.

Causes of the Red Scare

Post-World War I, nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments intensified.
The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia fueled fears of an uprising among immigrants from Russia and Eastern/Southern Europe.
Economic downturn after WWI led to rising unemployment and increased labor strikes, heightening fears of radicalism.
Anarchists’ bombing campaigns targeting notable Americans contributed to the hysteria surrounding potential subversion.

The First Red Scare

Occurred post-1917 Bolshevik Revolution, during WWI when patriotism was high and social tensions escalated.
Widespread belief that a Bolshevik-like revolution could occur in the U.S.

The Second Red Scare

Followed World War II, driven by fears of communist espionage amid geopolitical tensions such as the Berlin Blockade and major civil wars in Korea and China.
Revelations of American officials spying for the Soviet Union exacerbated public anxiety.

HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)

Established in 1945 to investigate disloyalty and subversion in the U.S.
Utilized aggressive tactics to blacklisting individuals and threatening livelihoods, despite minimal actual communist presence.

Loyalty Program/Executive Order 9835

Implemented by President Truman to purge potential communists from government roles.
Resulted in perceived widespread infiltration, with only 300 individuals dismissed for disloyalty.

Hollywood 10

Group of Hollywood writers suspected of promoting communist viewpoints in film.
Out of 43 accused, only 10 were charged; all were subsequently blacklisted from the industry.

Rosenbergs

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg became the first individuals executed for espionage in 1953, accused of relaying atomic secrets to the USSR.
Controversial trial face criticism due to perceived lack of evidence; current beliefs suggest Ethel may not have been a spy.

Alger Hiss

Accused of communist affiliation by former communist Whittaker Chambers in 1948.
Convicted of perjury, despite never being tried for treason; involvement in the Yalta Conference heightened suspicions.

Soviet Union and Atomic Bomb

The U.S. developed its atomic bomb in 1945, but the USSR surprised many by testing its own bomb four years later.
This event initiated the technological space race and showcased Soviet advancements.

Korean War

1950-1953 conflict striving to unify Korea post-Japanese occupation; North Korea was communist, while South Korea adopted capitalism.
The U.S. intervened to prevent communism's spread, resulting in extensive casualties, including 40,000 American deaths.

Vietnam War

Began with U.S. military involvement in 1965 to assist South Vietnam against the communist North.
Public opinion turned against the war, despite government efforts to justify participation.

Description

Explore the causes and effects of the Red Scare in Chapter 13. These flashcards will help you understand the fear of radical leftism following World War I and its implications in society. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge on this critical historical event.