The SECOND Red Scare, Explained [APUSH Review]

The Second Red Scare: A Deep Dive

Overview of the Second Red Scare

• The second Red Scare occurred post-World War II, focusing on eliminating Communist influence in the U.S. .

• It was a response to global events, particularly the rise of communism in China and Eastern Europe, and was part of a broader containment policy. .

Comparison with the First Red Scare

• The first Red Scare (1920s) arose from fears following the Russian Revolution, targeting various foreign radicals beyond just communists. .

• In contrast, the second Red Scare primarily concentrated on domestic communists and their perceived threats to national security. .

Government Actions During the Second Red Scare

• President Truman initiated Executive Order 9835, establishing the Federal Employee Loyalty Program to investigate federal employees for communist ties. .

• This program led to widespread questioning about political beliefs across all sectors of society, not limited to federal employees. .

The Lavender Scare

• Under Eisenhower's administration, policies specifically targeted gay and lesbian Americans due to fears they were susceptible to Soviet blackmail. .

• This reflected broader societal views that equated homosexuality with moral perversion and potential disloyalty. .

Impact on Hollywood and McCarthyism

• The film industry became a focal point for investigations into communist influence; many Hollywood figures were blacklisted for refusing to cooperate with congressional inquiries. .

• Senator Joseph McCarthy's claims in 1950 about known communists within the State Department exemplified extreme anti-communist sentiment during this period. .

McCarthy's Accusations and Their Consequences

The Rise of McCarthy's Claims

• Over several months, Senator McCarthy repeatedly claimed there were numerous communists in the State Department without providing any names or evidence.

• The Senate Foreign Relations Committee investigated these claims and concluded that McCarthy had no substantiating evidence, advising the public not to take him seriously.

McCarthy's Response to Investigation

• Instead of admitting his falsehoods, McCarthy intensified his accusations and attacked the head of the investigative committee for being "soft on communism."

• His aggressive stance led to a political fallout where he denounced this senator during an election campaign, resulting in the senator losing his seat.

Impact on Political Climate

• McCarthy’s tactics instilled fear within the political community; opposing him could lead to severe repercussions.

• He was characterized as a manipulative figure who exploited Cold War fears for personal gain while undermining others' careers.

Escalation of Lies

• Drunk on power, McCarthy continued spreading outrageous lies about suspected communists, leading many Americans to believe there must be some truth behind them due to his status as a statesman.

• Despite being based on falsehoods, these claims gained traction among the public.

The Downfall of McCarthy

• In 1954, during televised Senate hearings where he accused the army of harboring communists, millions witnessed his reckless behavior and blatant lies.

• This exposure resulted in a Senate censure against him; although anti-communist policies persisted, McCarthy's sensationalism began to wane.