"What were the causes and consequences of the Red Scare in 1950s America?"

Designed for: Higher Level IBDP History: Paper 3 (History of the Americas).

ActiveHistory Topic Page: https://www.activehistory.co.uk/Miscellaneous/menus/IB/red_scare.php

Overview: This podcast examines the pervasive impact of McCarthyism and the Cold War on American society and politics from the late 1940s through the 1950s. It explores how the fear of communism fuelled widespread suspicion, eroded civil liberties, and stifled dissent. The hosts discuss the actions of key figures like Joseph McCarthy and J. Edgar Hoover, as well as the impact on Hollywood, education, and various social movements. Additionally, US foreign policy shifts, particularly towards Latin America, are scrutinised in light of the overarching anti-communist agenda. Ultimately, the hosts illustrate how the quest to combat communism paradoxically compromised American values and freedoms.