Mccarthyism

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAmccarthyism.htm

In June 29th 1940, an alien registration act was enforced in America. This act stated that it was illegal for anyone in the United States to teach the desirability of overthrowing the government. The main purpose of this bill was to prevent the American Communist party from gaining any support in or have their ideology spread in the US government. The hysteria of America being over thrown by communist caused a major hysteria in the country. Everyone was accusing other people of being a communist even though it was more than likely not true. The problem got out of hand when a committee named the House of Un-American Activities was made. They questioned 41 people from Hollywood who were accused of following the communist ways. 10 of the people questioned used the first amendment to not say anything and were found guilt and thrown into jail for months. The general public saw that the committee apparently did find communist, and caused people to be on the look out to see if they knew any communist in their communities. The committee's setup and the acts enforced by Joseph McCarthy, was the beginning of America's anti- communist hysteria.