Fear of Communism

Definition

Fear of Communism refers to the widespread anxiety and paranoia surrounding the potential spread of communist ideology, especially during the Cold War era. This fear often influenced political decisions, societal attitudes, and public policies as individuals and governments were concerned about the implications of communism on democracy and capitalism. It manifested in various forms, including anti-communist propaganda, legislation targeting perceived communist threats, and the suppression of dissenting views that were seen as sympathetic to communist ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fear of communism significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to interventions in countries like Korea and Vietnam to prevent the spread of communist regimes.
2. In domestic politics, this fear contributed to the establishment of loyalty oaths for government employees and the creation of committees that investigated alleged communist activities.
3. The Hollywood blacklist was a result of this fear, where many individuals in the entertainment industry were denied work due to suspected communist affiliations or sympathies.
4. Legislation such as the Smith Act and the McCarran Internal Security Act was enacted to address perceived threats from communists and protect national security.
5. The cultural impact of this fear also included increased censorship and a general climate of suspicion, where dissenting voices were often marginalized or silenced.

Review Questions

• How did the fear of communism shape U.S. foreign policy decisions during the Cold War?
  • The fear of communism profoundly shaped U.S. foreign policy by prompting a series of interventions aimed at containing communist influence globally. Policies like containment were put into action to prevent countries from falling under communist control. This resulted in military involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam War, where the U.S. aimed to support non-communist governments and curb the expansion of Soviet power.
• In what ways did domestic policies reflect the American fear of communism during the 1950s?
  • Domestic policies during the 1950s were heavily influenced by the fear of communism, leading to actions like loyalty oaths for government employees and widespread investigations into suspected communist affiliations. This era saw the rise of McCarthyism, where accusations could destroy careers without substantial evidence. Anti-communist legislation was implemented to identify and remove perceived threats within society, creating a culture of suspicion that permeated everyday life.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the fear of communism on American society and political discourse.
  • The long-term effects of the fear of communism on American society include a lasting skepticism towards leftist ideologies and a tendency toward political polarization. It established a precedent for using national security as a justification for suppressing dissenting opinions and has contributed to ongoing debates about civil liberties versus security. This atmosphere continues to influence contemporary political discourse where accusations of 'socialism' are often used as tools in political campaigns, reflecting a legacy that persists well beyond its original context.

Related terms

McCarthyism:

A period in the early 1950s characterized by intense anti-communist suspicion in the United States, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led efforts to expose alleged communists in government and other institutions.

Red Scare: The term used to describe two distinct periods of intense fear of communism in the United States, particularly after World War I and during the early Cold War, marked by widespread paranoia and government actions against suspected communists.

Cold War:

A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, largely fueled by fears of communism.