1949-1955: McCarthyism and the Red Scare Flashcards
(13 cards)
When was the Red Scare
First Red Scare c1917-1920
Second Red Scare c1947-1957
What was the Red Scare
Period of public fear and anxiety over the supposed rise of communism or socialist ideologies
What was McCarthyism
Wave of anti-communist feeling that spread through the USA. Remove communist sympathies, included Truman government who were seen as too soft on communism
What was the reality of the Red Scare in the US
After opening Soviet archives in 1990 became clear that the NKVD had 221 agents in US
There was also penetration of Manhattan project
What did the Truman administration do about the Red Scare
Fired 1200 federal employees (6000 resigned)
1948 prosecuted 11 CPUSA leaders
What methods did McCarthy used
Would target individuals, accuse them being communist then humiliate them. Led to many ‘purges’ and trials. Many led to execution like Rosenburg.
What impact did McCarthyism have on US society
Scared the US public as believed communist were inside the government
How did McCarthyism impact US foreign policy
Helped shift focus from Europe to Asia as Europe with its East West divide looked more secure compared to Asia.
Led to the ‘Asia first’ view
How did McCarthyism impact Br foreign policy
Showed that Br could not be USA main partner in Europe as the USA would focus on Asia. Br did not trust Stalin would not expand but due to Br dependence on USA could not voice their concerns
How did McCarthyism impact US policy in China
China falling to communism was blamed on Truman as members of his government were too soft on communism. Led to idea that Truman had to go.
What did the Sino-Soviet treaty achieve
It was a formal communist agreement
Economic aid $300 million given to China
Soviet send military assistance
Soviet promise to restore Chinese sovereignty over Manchuria
How was the Sino-Soviet treaty unequal
Previously the USSR supported the Chinese nationalist + had interest within Manchuria
Mao was treated as instrument of Soviet power
The actual treaty favoured USSR. Mongolia part of USSR sphere of influence, gave no support for Taiwan, no revolutionary
How did China become isolated
For Br it had little impact as they recognised Mao’s China
While USA were initially indifferent to China (White Paper) they change due to Sino-Soviet treaty and Korean War which led to an increased presence in Asia
