Cold War: Domestic Issues

Fear of Communist Influence

• In the 1950’s, people were concerned for the security of the U.S. because…– Soviet domination in E. Europe– Communist takeover in China– Around 100,000 Americans belonged to the

Communist Party

Loyalty Review Board

• Truman set up the Federal Employee Loyalty Program– Investigated government employees– Fired those who were disloyal to the U.S.

government

HUAC

• House of Un-American Activities Committee

• Most known for investigating the movie industry

• Had actors blacklisted for suspicion of being involved in Communist ideas

Spies• Rosenbergs

– September, 1949 – Soviets explode an atomic bomb – ppl wonder how the info leaked

– Physicist Klaus Fuchs admits he handed over info to Soviets and says the Rosenbergs were involved

• They claim innocence and felt they were persecuted b/c they were Jewish and held radical beliefs

• Found guilty of espionage and killed in the electric chair

McCarthyism

• Senator Joseph McCarthy known for making accusations against people without evidence

• Causes:– Soviets spread communism in Eastern Europe– Soviets develop A-bomb quicker than expected– Korean War ends in stalemate– Republicans gain by calling Truman soft on Communism

• Effects– Americans forced to take loyalty oaths– People afraid to speak out on public issues– Anti-communism drives U.S. foreign policy