How did the post War II red scare change over time
The post-World War II Red Scare, also known as McCarthyism, began in the late 1940s and extended into the 1950s. Initially, the focus was on identifying and rooting out communist influence within the United States government and society. This led to investigations and hearings by various government bodies, such as the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.
As the Red Scare progressed, it expanded beyond just identifying individuals with communist beliefs or affiliations to targeting a wide range of groups and individuals perceived as subversive or disloyal. This included labor unions, civil rights organizations, intellectuals, artists, and Hollywood figures, among others.
The fear and paranoia surrounding communism grew, leading to a climate of suspicion and hostility. Many people were unjustly accused, blacklisted from employment, and had their lives ruined. The entertainment industry, in particular, was heavily impacted by the Red Scare, with numerous actors, writers, and directors facing accusations and being forced to testify before HUAC. The Hollywood Ten, a group of filmmakers who refused to cooperate with the committee, were ultimately blacklisted and unable to work in the industry.
By the late 1950s, the Red Scare began to lose steam as McCarthy's tactics became increasingly controversial and he was censured by the Senate in 1954. The fear and paranoia surrounding communism began to dissipate, and the era of McCarthyism came to an end. However, the impact of the Red Scare lingered for many years, with the legacy of fear, suspicion, and censorship continuing to influence American society and politics.