Final answer:
The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) was a congressional committee that investigated subversion and disloyalty among federal employees, particularly in the entertainment industry. It had a significant impact on curtailing criticism of the government after World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC), also known as the House Un-American Activities Committee, was a congressional committee established to investigate alleged instances of subversion and disloyalty among federal employees. It conducted investigations after World War II, particularly targeting Hollywood actors, writers, poets, athletes, and other influential private citizens. The committee's actions had a chilling effect on criticism of the government during the postwar era.