Red Scare Research Paper

A ‘Red Scare’ is defined as an instance of mass hysteria provoked by fear of rising leftist ideals. Historically, two major red scare events have occurred, in both 1917 and 1950. While both events occurred in the United States as a reaction to a communist uprising, the red scare event of 19 June was significantly more substantial, fueled by large-scale media and tensions between America and the Soviet Union post-World War Two. The red scare was caused largely by internal events, as the trial of alger hiss, the iron curtain, and Soviet Union weapon testing stirred worries amongst United States citizens. Additional events, such as the Gouzenko Affair, which created worries of a communist ring in Canada, as well as trials taking place in HUAC …show more content…
Actions committed by the House of Un-American Activities illustrate paranoid actions throughout the red scare. HUAC was first formed in 1938 with the purpose of investigating citizens accused of communism. As a government organization, HUAC held large amounts of power in determining the fates of many American citizens. Most notably, HUAC was responsible for the trial of Alger Hiss, a highly controversial event taking place during the 1950s. During the trial, Alger Hiss, an American government official, was accused of spying for the Soviet Union during the 1930’s, and eventually convicted of perjury. Whittaker Chambers, a previous member of the U.S Communist party, declared that Hiss had been a communist. Despite Hiss continuously denying these accusations, he was found guilty in 1950 and served 3 and a half years of his two five year sentences. Hiss continuously stated his in nonacne throughout his life, and in 1990, his claims were proven correct. Two Soviet officers that held the responsibility of the Soviet records stated that there were no records of Hiss serving under the Soviet Union, proving his innocence. Despite this, the controversy still remains. The trial of Alger Hiss represents the paranoid actions taken by HUAC. Despite little evidence aside from an accusation, Hiss was found guilty of perjury and sentenced to jail time. This serves as

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