​for April 5, 2017
Flanigan's U.S. History Moment to Remember:​​

In the 1950s, what was the term used to describe America’s fear of Communism?

1950s anti-Communism propaganda targeting U.S. entertainment industry

   
One this day in history, April 5th, of 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sentenced to death for espionage.  They were convicted of sending secrets to the Soviets - including information about the atomic bomb.  Americans believed that it was this information that allowed the Soviets to develop their own atomic bomb.  As a result, they were sentenced to death.
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Ethel and Julius Rosenberg after being found guilty spying for the Soviets

Herbert Block started the term McCarthyism in this March 29, 1950 Washington Post cartoon

Senator Joseph McCarthy

Why does this matter today?​

This is important because it was the height of the second red scare in America.  This was a period of time in which Americans were fearful of Communist spies in the government and it led to Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy accusing many different state officials of being Communist spies.  This became known as McCarthyism and fear and paranoia griped the nation as a result of the fear of Communism.  Today's fear of the 'Reds' is external to the US and focuses on the nuclear capabilities and unnerving leadership of North Korea and China.​