The Second Red Scare
Established 1947, The CIA
Is the US spy network.
1949- The Soviet Union explodes
its own nuclear weapon.
1949- China falls to the Communists
1950-53 The Korean War
The House on Un-American Activities Committee .
HUAC
Hollywood becomes the focus of the “Red Scare.”
“ Blacklisting”
1947
“The Hollywood Ten “
Lucille Ball
1953-Investigated by HUAC for registering to
vote as a communist in the 1930’s at the urging of
her Grandfather.
“The only thing ‘red’ about Lucy is her hair
& that’s not even real.”
1948- One time aid to FDR, Alger Hiss accused of spying for Soviets
- Alger Hiss testifies before
HUAC
RICHARD NIXON and The “Pumpkin Papers”
Microfilm copies of secret State Department memos
are linked to Hiss’ typewriter.
Although no solid proof links Hiss to
espionage, his career in the US
government is ruined.
1950- Ethel and Julius Rosenberg
Accused of passing nuclear secrets to the Soviets.
1953- The Rosenberg’s executed
for espionage.
1950-Senator Joseph McCarthy
The Wisconsin Senator was looking for a campaign
issue to earn him some media attention to help
him get re-elected.
In a campaign speech in West Virginia,
McCarthy claims to have a list of 205 known communist
agents working in the US State Department.
McCarthyism- The use of unproven
accusations to label someone as a communist.
1954- The Army-McCarthy hearings
In nationally televised hearings, McCarthy is exposed
as a bully and a fraud.
A “Witch Hunt”.
1954- McCarthy is censured by the US Senate
for conduct unbecoming his office.