HIST 112 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Alger Hiss, Lavender Scare, Machinist
16 Aug 2016
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Soviet communism seen as a serious pressing threat of the us. The cold war saw tensions escalate not only on the international sphere but also within american society. The fear of soviet power and the possibility of an atomic world war drove efforts to protect the us from communist influence. Suspicion of political ideologies deemed subversive led to widespread efforts to uncover and punish radicals. Engaging in personal behavior which could be used as blackmail (homosexuality, debts, addiction, etc) Lavender scare associated with gay men and women. These activities didn"t have to be ongoing. Even if one had not participated in suspected activities for years, you could come under suspicion. President truman authorized the loyalty security program in 1947. Required fed employees to swear loyalty to the nation. Became a template for local and state governments, private organizations. The smith act of 1940 was used to punish subversive people and political groups.
