Question

What are the similarities and differences between the rising fear of communism in the United States after World War II and the Red Scare that followed World War I?

a) Increased government surveillance
b) Fear of foreign influence
c) Suppression of political dissent
d) All of the above

Answer 1

The rising fear of communism in the United States after World War II and the Red Scare that followed World War I had several similarities and differences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rising fear of communism in the United States after World War II and the Red Scare that followed World War I had several similarities and differences. Both periods saw an increase in government surveillance, fear of foreign influence, and suppression of political dissent. However, the context and specific events differed.

In the Red Scare after World War I, the fear of communism was driven by the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the spread of Bolshevik ideology. The fear of foreigners and political radicals led to increased government surveillance, with many immigrants and activists being targeted and arrested. Public unrest and violence, such as the Red Summer race riots in 1919, further fueled the fear.

In the post-World War II period, the fear of communism was fueled by the expansion of Soviet influence and the Cold War. Government surveillance was also increased, with the establishment of programs like the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and the FBI's COINTELPRO. The fear of communist infiltration led to the McCarthyism era, characterized by anti-communist witch hunts and the suppression of political dissent.

Overall, both periods shared similarities in terms of increased government surveillance, fear of foreign influence, and suppression of political dissent. However, the specific contexts and events surrounding the rising fear of communism differed between the post-World War I Red Scare and the post-World War II era.