Across the 20th century's two red scares in the US and Canada, the Wobblies and Communist-aligned unions faced fierce repression from government authorities. The fear of communism spreading like wildfire in the aftermath of World War II led to a crackdown on anyone suspected of having communist sympathies. This resulted in widespread surveillance, witch hunts, and the blacklisting of individuals in various sectors of society.
At the height of McCarthyism in the early 1950s, Jewish community councils across the country threw out a group: the Jewish People's Party. The group was accused of having communist ties, which led to their expulsion and ostracization from the community. This incident highlighted the paranoia and fear that gripped the nation during this period.
Time writes that even a rumor of Communist sympathies in the 1950s was enough to either blacklist a person and end their career. The mere suspicion of being associated with communism could ruin lives and reputations, leading to a culture of fear and suspicion among Americans.
The second KKK became one of the most powerful social and political movements in the US, framing themselves as a club and getting their members involved in various acts of violence and discrimination. The group targeted African Americans, Jews, Catholics, immigrants, and anyone perceived as a threat to their idea of white supremacy. This further fueled the atmosphere of fear and intolerance during the Red Scare.
Photo: Protest against anti-Asian violence in Atlanta, 2021 On February 9, 1950 the period of Red Scare witch hunts officially launched as... (image description: A group of diverse individuals holding signs and banners at a protest against anti-Asian violence, showcasing unity and solidarity in the face of discrimination.)
A Wall Street financier who skipped college to sell shoes, Lewis Strauss became one of America's most important atomic-energy advisers, playing a key role in shaping the country's nuclear policy during the Red Scare era. His influence extended to government policies and decisions regarding national security and defense.
Congressional Investigations and the Lavender Scare Summer 2016, Vol. 48, No. 2 By Judith Adkins Enlarge On December 15, 1950, the Hoey committee released... (image description: A congressional hearing room with officials and witnesses engaged in discussions and investigations, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by individuals during the Red Scare period.)
When China entered the Korean War, Chinese Americans scrambled to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States. The fear of being associated with communism or the enemy led to Chinese Americans facing discrimination and suspicion, despite their loyalty and contributions to the country.
FBI Director Christopher Wray's remarks at the Hudson Institute, Washington, D.C., underscored the ongoing efforts to combat domestic threats and protect national security. The Red Scare era left a lasting impact on government agencies and policies, shaping the approach to addressing perceived threats and maintaining security within the country.
