The Early Cold War Era I. Lasting Impact of WWII The Nuclear Age The greatest change coming out of WWII was the introduction of the nuclear age. The greatest change coming out of WWII was the introduction of the nuclear age. Not only did the atomic bomb end the war, but it also changed how future wars would be fought. Not only did the atomic bomb end the war, but it also changed how future wars would be fought. Both Truman and Stalin were aware of this and neither trusted the other. Both Truman and Stalin were aware of this and neither trusted the other. I. Lasting Impact of WWII With the war now over, each viewed the other as the new enemy. With the war now over, each viewed the other as the new enemy. When Truman learned at the Potsdam Conference that the atomic bomb had been successfully tested, he could not wait to tell Stalin that the US had a weapon of mass destruction. When Truman learned at the Potsdam Conference that the atomic bomb had been successfully tested, he could not wait to tell Stalin that the US had a weapon of mass destruction. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Stalin, who already knew about the weapon through Soviet spies, simply nodded as said he hoped it would end the war. Stalin, who already knew about the weapon through Soviet spies, simply nodded as said he hoped it would end the war. Stalin was determined to see his own country develop a similar weapon. Stalin was determined to see his own country develop a similar weapon. As a result, a nuclear arms race between the US and USSR began. As a result, a nuclear arms race between the US and USSR began. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Over time both sides continued to develop even more powerful weapons, including missiles capable of destruction thousands of times greater than the two atomic bombs used on Japan. Over time both sides continued to develop even more powerful weapons, including missiles capable of destruction thousands of times greater than the two atomic bombs used on Japan. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Radar and Sonar Radar was invented by the British and helped them defeat Germanys air force by giving the RAF advanced notice of German attacks. Today, radar is used for commercial airplanes as well as for military purposes Sonar was also invented during the war to detect objects under the water. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Microwave Technology American engineer Percy Spencer discovered microwave technology by accident. American engineer Percy Spencer discovered microwave technology by accident. While working on radar technology, he noticed the candy bar in his pocket had melted. While working on radar technology, he noticed the candy bar in his pocket had melted. He later discovered that the technology he was working with could be used to cook food much faster than conventional ovens. He later discovered that the technology he was working with could be used to cook food much faster than conventional ovens. I. Lasting Impact of WWII By the 1950s, the first home microwave ovens were on the market. By the 1950s, the first home microwave ovens were on the market. By the 1970s, affordable countertop models were available. By the 1970s, affordable countertop models were available. This contributed to the change in womens roles by providing more freedom and less time in the kitchen. This contributed to the change in womens roles by providing more freedom and less time in the kitchen. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Computers During the war the need for devices that could make fast calculations and decode enemy messages became critical. During the war the need for devices that could make fast calculations and decode enemy messages became critical. Computer technology proved important. Computer technology proved important. I. Lasting Impact of WWII The first computers were huge and took up entire rooms. The first computers were huge and took up entire rooms. Over time, technological advances led to their size decreasing as their abilities increased. Over time, technological advances led to their size decreasing as their abilities increased. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Additional Innovations New medical technology appeared during the war, including antibiotics like penicillin. New medical technology appeared during the war, including antibiotics like penicillin. New technology and equipment also made farming more productive and efficient. New technology and equipment also made farming more productive and efficient. I. Lasting Impact of WWII Radios became smaller and more portable making them more popular. Radios became smaller and more portable making them more popular. Radios soon became standard features in cars and helped spread a nationwide youth culture during the 50s and 60s. Radios soon became standard features in cars and helped spread a nationwide youth culture during the 50s and 60s. II. The Cold War Begins Conflict in Europe Following WWII, tensions were high between the western Allies and the Soviet Union. Following WWII, tensions were high between the western Allies and the Soviet Union. Neither side trusted the other. Neither side trusted the other. Stalin was determined that the USSR would not be invaded again. Stalin was determined that the USSR would not be invaded again. II. The Cold War Begins He decided that he must maintain control over Eastern Europe in order to keep a buffer between the USSR and the nations of the West. He decided that he must maintain control over Eastern Europe in order to keep a buffer between the USSR and the nations of the West. Stalin established satellite nations, or countries controlled by the Soviet Union, in several Eastern European countries. Stalin established satellite nations, or countries controlled by the Soviet Union, in several Eastern European countries. II. The Cold War Begins Winston Churchill said in a speech, A shadow has fallenan iron curtain has descended across the continent. Winston Churchill said in a speech, A shadow has fallenan iron curtain has descended across the continent. Iron Curtain became a phrase used to refer to the dividing line between Communist nations in Eastern Europe and Democratic nations in Western Europe. Iron Curtain became a phrase used to refer to the dividing line between Communist nations in Eastern Europe and Democratic nations in Western Europe. II. The Cold War Begins US Post-War Policies in Europe 1946: US diplomat George Kennan recommended that the US and its allies focus on a strategy of containment. 1946: US diplomat George Kennan recommended that the US and its allies focus on a strategy of containment. Kennan believed that Eastern Europe was firmly in Soviet hands and could not be saved from Communism. Kennan believed that Eastern Europe was firmly in Soviet hands and could not be saved from Communism. II. The Cold War Begins So, the US and its allies should focus on containing Communism to those countries it which it already existed and not let it spread any further. So, the US and its allies should focus on containing Communism to those countries it which it already existed and not let it spread any further. The Truman Doctrine stated that the US would not hesitate to intervene and aid nations overseas to resist Communism. The Truman Doctrine stated that the US would not hesitate to intervene and aid nations overseas to resist Communism. II. The Cold War Begins The Marshall Plan provided nations in war-torn Europe with much needed financial support from the US The Marshall Plan provided nations in war-torn Europe with much needed financial support from the US The purpose of the Plan was to help prevent Communist revolutions, which are often started due to economic hardships, in Western European nations. The purpose of the Plan was to help prevent Communist revolutions, which are often started due to economic hardships, in Western European nations. Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize as a result. Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize as a result. II. The Cold War Begins A Divided Germany When WWII ended, the Allies divided Germany among themselves. When WWII ended, the Allies divided Germany among themselves. US, Britain, France, and the USSR all received a portion of Germany. US, Britain, France, and the USSR all received a portion of Germany. The German capital, Berlin, was also divided the same way. The German capital, Berlin, was also divided the same way. II. The Cold War Begins US, Britain, and France saw this division as temporary and believed Germany would become united again under a democratic government. US, Britain, and France saw this division as temporary and believed Germany would become united again under a democratic government. But, Stalin had no intentions of giving up the Soviet-controlled areas. But, Stalin had no intentions of giving up the Soviet-controlled areas. II. The Cold War Begins US, Britain, and France unified their sectors into one nation, West Germany, and declared West Berlin to be part of this new nation. US, Britain, and France unified their sectors into one nation, West Germany, and declared West Berlin to be part of this new nation. USSR responded by establishing East Germany and East Berlin under Communist rule. USSR responded by establishing East Germany and East Berlin under Communist rule. Thousands from East Germany fled to West Berlin to escape Communism. Thousands from East Germany fled to West Berlin to escape Communism. II. The Cold War Begins Stalin decided to force the West to surrender its portion of Berlin by blockading the city. Stalin decided to force the West to surrender its portion of Berlin by blockading the city. Truman then authorized the Berlin Airlift using planes to deliver supplies and food to those in West Berlin. Truman then authorized the Berlin Airlift using planes to deliver supplies and food to those in West Berlin. II. The Cold War Begins The Soviets finally gave up in May of 1949, but this bitterness served to fuel the fires of the Cold War. The Soviets finally gave up in May of 1949, but this bitterness served to fuel the fires of the Cold War. Cold War was first used in 1947 by Bernard Baruch; it referred to the tension between the US and the Soviet Union that dominated both nations foreign policies for decades. Cold War was first used in 1947 by Bernard Baruch; it referred to the tension between the US and the Soviet Union that dominated both nations foreign policies for decades. II. The Cold War Begins China and Korea 1949: China became a Communist nation following a revolution. 1949: China became a Communist nation following a revolution. Mao Tse-Tung (Zedong) led the revolution and assumed power as the new leader. Mao Tse-Tung (Zedong) led the revolution and assumed power as the new leader. II. The Cold War Begins Korea was among the countries liberated from Japan during WWII. Korea was among the countries liberated from Japan during WWII. Since both the US and the Soviets played a role in its liberation, the Allies divided the nation along the 38th parallel. Since both the US and the Soviets played a role in its liberation, the Allies divided the nation along the 38th parallel. North Korea became a Communist nation. North Korea became a Communist nation. South Korea established a pro-US democracy. South Korea established a pro-US democracy. II. The Cold War Begins The Korean War ( ) June 1950: The Korean War began when North Korea crossed the 38th parallel. June 1950: The Korean War began when North Korea crossed the 38th parallel. The United Nations decided to come to South Koreas aid, and Truman chose Gen. Douglas MacArthur to lead the troops. The United Nations decided to come to South Koreas aid, and Truman chose Gen. Douglas MacArthur to lead the troops. II. The Cold War Begins MacArthurs troops pushed the enemy back across the 38th parallel and advanced to the Chinese border. MacArthurs troops pushed the enemy back across the 38th parallel and advanced to the Chinese border. The Chinese sent troops across the Yalu River to help the North Koreans. The Chinese sent troops across the Yalu River to help the North Koreans. MacArthur asked Truman to authorize the use of nuclear weapons against China, but Truman refused. MacArthur asked Truman to authorize the use of nuclear weapons against China, but Truman refused. II. The Cold War Begins A stalemate soon developed. A stalemate soon developed. Truman fired MacArthur after the general criticized Trumans handling of the war. Truman fired MacArthur after the general criticized Trumans handling of the war. After 2 more years of fighting, both sides signed a truce in After 2 more years of fighting, both sides signed a truce in This agreement left the country divided at almost the same point as before the war began. This agreement left the country divided at almost the same point as before the war began. II. The Cold War Begins The Founding of Israel The Holocaust increased support for the founding of a Jewish homeland. The Holocaust increased support for the founding of a Jewish homeland. May 14, 1948: With the full support of the newly formed United Nations, the new state of Israel officially became an independent Jewish state. May 14, 1948: With the full support of the newly formed United Nations, the new state of Israel officially became an independent Jewish state. II. The Cold War Begins Arab nations greatly resented the decision to give part of Palestine to the Jews. Arab nations greatly resented the decision to give part of Palestine to the Jews. They claimed the entire region belonged to Arabs. They claimed the entire region belonged to Arabs. Israels boundary also had an impact on the Cold War. Israels boundary also had an impact on the Cold War. The US and Israel became allies and the Soviets began supporting the surrounding Arab nations. The US and Israel became allies and the Soviets began supporting the surrounding Arab nations. II. The Cold War Begins The Eisenhower Doctrine Elected President in 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower (military hero of WWII) was concerned about the spread of Communism and Soviet aggression. Elected President in 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower (military hero of WWII) was concerned about the spread of Communism and Soviet aggression. He believed strongly in the domino theory if one nation falls to Communism, then its neighbors would soon fall as well. He believed strongly in the domino theory if one nation falls to Communism, then its neighbors would soon fall as well. II. The Cold War Begins 1957: The Eisenhower Doctrine stated the US would not hesitate to aid any country in the Middle East that asked for help resisting Communist aggression. 1957: The Eisenhower Doctrine stated the US would not hesitate to aid any country in the Middle East that asked for help resisting Communist aggression. 1958: US troops were sent to Lebanon to help them resist Communist-backed rebel forces. 1958: US troops were sent to Lebanon to help them resist Communist-backed rebel forces. II. The Cold War Begins The U-2 Incident Nikita Khrushchev became the Soviet leader in 1953 following the death of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev became the Soviet leader in 1953 following the death of Stalin. Khrushchev met with President Eisenhower in the US and invited Eisenhower to Moscowtrying to improve US-Soviet relations. Khrushchev met with President Eisenhower in the US and invited Eisenhower to Moscowtrying to improve US-Soviet relations. II. The Cold War Begins But, in May 1960 a US U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union and Khrushchev cancelled the invitation. But, in May 1960 a US U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union and Khrushchev cancelled the invitation. The US denied conducting spy missions but admitted to it later when the Soviets provided evidence. The US denied conducting spy missions but admitted to it later when the Soviets provided evidence. Eisenhower refused to apologize, and the U-2 Incident further contributed to the hostility between the two nations. Eisenhower refused to apologize, and the U-2 Incident further contributed to the hostility between the two nations. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba The Bay of Pigs 1959: Fidel Castro overthrew the Cuban government and seized much of the land (including US property). 1959: Fidel Castro overthrew the Cuban government and seized much of the land (including US property). Eisenhower broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba and Castro. Eisenhower broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba and Castro. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba With US support lacking, Castro allied himself with the Soviet Union and Cuba became a Communist nation. With US support lacking, Castro allied himself with the Soviet Union and Cuba became a Communist nation. When John F. Kennedy succeeded Eisenhower as President in 1961, he approved an operation to help anti-Castro Cubans in an invasion of their homeland. When John F. Kennedy succeeded Eisenhower as President in 1961, he approved an operation to help anti-Castro Cubans in an invasion of their homeland. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba The invasion landed at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961 and was a terrible failure and a huge embarrassment to Kennedy. The invasion landed at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961 and was a terrible failure and a huge embarrassment to Kennedy. Many wondered if Kennedy had what it took to defend democracy against Communism. Many wondered if Kennedy had what it took to defend democracy against Communism. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba The Berlin Wall Khrushchev was determined to stop the large flow of refugees from East Germany into West Germany through Berlin. Khrushchev was determined to stop the large flow of refugees from East Germany into West Germany through Berlin. The Soviets build a wall that separated Communist East Berlin from democratic West Berlin. The Soviets build a wall that separated Communist East Berlin from democratic West Berlin. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba Anyone who attempted to cross the wall without permission risked being shot on the spot. Anyone who attempted to cross the wall without permission risked being shot on the spot. For more than 25 years, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of the Cold War. For more than 25 years, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of the Cold War. III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba The Cuban Missile Crisis Despite the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro still felt threatened by US forces. Despite the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, Castro still felt threatened by US forces. Castro secretly allowed the Soviets to put nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. Castro secretly allowed the Soviets to put nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. US spy planes spotted these missile sites in Oct US spy planes spotted these missile sites in Oct III. Kennedy, Communism, and Cuba JFK responded by authorizing a naval blockade of the island. JFK responded by authorizing a naval blockade of the island. For 13 days, the world watched as the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. For 13 days, the world watched as the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. Khrushchev finally agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for a US pledge not to invade Cuba. Khrushchev finally agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for a US pledge not to invade Cuba. The US also secretly told the Soviets they would removed its own missiles from Turkey. The US also secretly told the Soviets they would removed its own missiles from Turkey. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War The United Nations The Cold War basically divided the world in half between the countries that allied with the US and those who allied with the USSR. The Cold War basically divided the world in half between the countries that allied with the US and those who allied with the USSR. The United Nations (U.N.) was created after WWII in hopes of avoiding conflict by providing a place to negotiate rather than go to war. The United Nations (U.N.) was created after WWII in hopes of avoiding conflict by providing a place to negotiate rather than go to war. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War A Security Council was established within the U.N. that included representatives from the US, USSR, Great Britain, France, and China. A Security Council was established within the U.N. that included representatives from the US, USSR, Great Britain, France, and China. In addition to these permanent members, other nations could serve two-year terms on temporary seats. In addition to these permanent members, other nations could serve two-year terms on temporary seats. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War To this day, the Security Council has the authority to investigate disputes and even authorize military action. To this day, the Security Council has the authority to investigate disputes and even authorize military action. Such actions, however, require the approval of all five permanent members. Such actions, however, require the approval of all five permanent members. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War NATO and the Warsaw Pact Because most nations did not possess nuclear weapons, many relied on alliances to provide security. Because most nations did not possess nuclear weapons, many relied on alliances to provide security. April 1949: The US and several European nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty to defend one another during an attack. April 1949: The US and several European nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty to defend one another during an attack. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War This treaty formed NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) which would provide a combined military force if such as attack occurred. This treaty formed NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) which would provide a combined military force if such as attack occurred. A few years later, other countries (including West Germany) became part of NATO as well. A few years later, other countries (including West Germany) became part of NATO as well. IV. International Alliances of the Cold War The Warsaw Pact was the USSR and its allies answer to NATO. The Warsaw Pact was the USSR and its allies answer to NATO. The Pact was formed in 1955 and unified the Communist countries of Eastern Europe in a similar pledge to defend one another if attacked by NATO. The Pact was formed in 1955 and unified the Communist countries of Eastern Europe in a similar pledge to defend one another if attacked by NATO. V. The Postwar United States The Rise of the Middle Class Congress passed the G.I. Bill to help returning WWII soldiers assimilate back into American society. Congress passed the G.I. Bill to help returning WWII soldiers assimilate back into American society. The Bill provided veterans with money for education and loans for purchasing homes. The Bill provided veterans with money for education and loans for purchasing homes. V. The Postwar United States Because of the Bill, large numbers of common people for the first time could afford to buy their own homes. Because of the Bill, large numbers of common people for the first time could afford to buy their own homes. Developers like William Levitt became rich by building entire communities of new houses as the new middle class emerged. Developers like William Levitt became rich by building entire communities of new houses as the new middle class emerged. V. The Postwar United States These Levittowns led to the development of suburbs. These Levittowns led to the development of suburbs. Suburbanization (the rapid growth and spread of suburbs) changed US culture. Suburbanization (the rapid growth and spread of suburbs) changed US culture. More people purchased houses and cars, and commuted to cities for work and entertainment. More people purchased houses and cars, and commuted to cities for work and entertainment. V. The Postwar United States Suburbs also led to more racial division. Suburbs also led to more racial division. Most middle class whites moved out of urban areas, leaving cities to be occupied mostly by lower-income minorities. Most middle class whites moved out of urban areas, leaving cities to be occupied mostly by lower-income minorities. The nation also experienced a population explosion known as the Baby Boom. The nation also experienced a population explosion known as the Baby Boom. V. The Postwar United States Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 and Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 and With the war over, spouses were reunited and couples got married. With the war over, spouses were reunited and couples got married. Many of these people started or expanded their families. Many of these people started or expanded their families. What resulted was a boom in the number of babies born in the US during the late 40s and early 50s. What resulted was a boom in the number of babies born in the US during the late 40s and early 50s. V. The Postwar United States Education The G.I. Bill had lasting effects on education. The G.I. Bill had lasting effects on education. Prior to the war, most working-class citizens did not go to college. Prior to the war, most working-class citizens did not go to college. However, with the benefits offered to veterans, many returning soldiers enrolled in colleges, despite their social class. However, with the benefits offered to veterans, many returning soldiers enrolled in colleges, despite their social class. V. The Postwar United States US population became more educated and middle class grew as college degrees led to better paying jobs. US population became more educated and middle class grew as college degrees led to better paying jobs. Most parents eventually sent their Baby Boom kids to college as well. Most parents eventually sent their Baby Boom kids to college as well. For the first time in US history, getting a college degree became the social norm among middle class citizens. For the first time in US history, getting a college degree became the social norm among middle class citizens. V. The Postwar United States However, most universities were still segregated so African Americans did not have the same opportunities as white Americans to go to college. However, most universities were still segregated so African Americans did not have the same opportunities as white Americans to go to college. The Cold War also impacted education in K-12 schools. The Cold War also impacted education in K-12 schools. V. The Postwar United States 1958: Congress passed the National Defense Education Act to provide more school funding and to increase the emphasis on science, math, and foreign languages. 1958: Congress passed the National Defense Education Act to provide more school funding and to increase the emphasis on science, math, and foreign languages. The Acts intention was to propel the US ahead of the Soviet Union in both the space race and in nuclear technology. The Acts intention was to propel the US ahead of the Soviet Union in both the space race and in nuclear technology. V. The Postwar United States Prosperity and Consumerism With the end of the war, the US entered a period of great prosperity. With the end of the war, the US entered a period of great prosperity. The Depression ended because of jobs created during the war. The Depression ended because of jobs created during the war. However, due to rationing and the shift to wartime production citizens couldnt purchase everything they wanted. However, due to rationing and the shift to wartime production citizens couldnt purchase everything they wanted. V. The Postwar United States People began buying sewing machines, washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions (new invention). People began buying sewing machines, washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions (new invention). America once again became a consumer society. America once again became a consumer society. Advertisers promoted products trying to make customers feel they had to have them. Advertisers promoted products trying to make customers feel they had to have them. V. The Postwar United States Many of their efforts were aimed at housewives. Many of their efforts were aimed at housewives. One department store executive said, we must make women unhappy with what they havewe must make them so unhappy that their husbands can find no happiness or peace in their excessive savings. One department store executive said, we must make women unhappy with what they havewe must make them so unhappy that their husbands can find no happiness or peace in their excessive savings. V. The Postwar United States People were judged more and more by what kind of car they drove, what clothes they wore, and what house they lived in. People were judged more and more by what kind of car they drove, what clothes they wore, and what house they lived in. Many began using credit cards to purchase new items immediately. Many began using credit cards to purchase new items immediately. Result: People stopped saving money, and debt increased. Result: People stopped saving money, and debt increased. Shopping centers and malls popped up across the nationespecially in the suburbs. Shopping centers and malls popped up across the nationespecially in the suburbs. V. The Postwar United States Women in Society With men home from the war Rosie the Riveter put down her tools and returned to the kitchen. With men home from the war Rosie the Riveter put down her tools and returned to the kitchen. A womans role remained primarily that of a housewiferaising children, cleaning house, and cooking meals. A womans role remained primarily that of a housewiferaising children, cleaning house, and cooking meals. V. The Postwar United States Some women resisted the idea that a womans role was primarily that of a housewife, but most did not. Some women resisted the idea that a womans role was primarily that of a housewife, but most did not. These role images were reflected in the nations most popular television shows. These role images were reflected in the nations most popular television shows. V. The Postwar United States A New Red Scare During the Depression many Americans had joined the Communist Party, or at least, sympathized with Communist ideas. During the Depression many Americans had joined the Communist Party, or at least, sympathized with Communist ideas. That would soon come back to haunt them. That would soon come back to haunt them. V. The Postwar United States In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the government investigated and arrested many people with alleged connections to the Communist Party. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the government investigated and arrested many people with alleged connections to the Communist Party. This period became known as the second Red Scare This period became known as the second Red Scare V. The Postwar United States Government Policies Dealing Concerned with the threat of communism, President Truman signed the National Security Act in Concerned with the threat of communism, President Truman signed the National Security Act in This Act created the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This Act created the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). V. The Postwar United States The CIA became the first peacetime intelligence agency and is responsible for covert (secret) operations meant to ensure national security. The CIA became the first peacetime intelligence agency and is responsible for covert (secret) operations meant to ensure national security. Originally, the CIAs top mission was to spy on the Soviet Union and its allies. Originally, the CIAs top mission was to spy on the Soviet Union and its allies. V. The Postwar United States Congress also relied on the House Un- American Activities Committee (HUAC) to expose Communists in government and society. Congress also relied on the House Un- American Activities Committee (HUAC) to expose Communists in government and society. 1947: HUAC called in a number of writers, actors, producers, etc. to testify about the suspected Communist-controlled movie industry. 1947: HUAC called in a number of writers, actors, producers, etc. to testify about the suspected Communist-controlled movie industry. V. The Postwar United States Out of fear that they might be targeted, a number of movie executives developed a Hollywood blacklist (actors, producers, etc. suspected to be Communists). Out of fear that they might be targeted, a number of movie executives developed a Hollywood blacklist (actors, producers, etc. suspected to be Communists). Many of those on the list never worked in Hollywood again. Many of those on the list never worked in Hollywood again. V. The Postwar United States Joseph McCarthy Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy believed Communists had infiltrated high levels of government and the US military. Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy believed Communists had infiltrated high levels of government and the US military. Communist aggression in Korea helped McCarthy and his ideas gain popularity. Communist aggression in Korea helped McCarthy and his ideas gain popularity. V. The Postwar United States Eventually, McCarthy had to defend his views in a series of televised hearings. Eventually, McCarthy had to defend his views in a series of televised hearings. By the time the hearing ended in June 1954, most citizens viewed McCarthy as paranoid at best and downright crazy at worst. By the time the hearing ended in June 1954, most citizens viewed McCarthy as paranoid at best and downright crazy at worst. McCarthyism began to collapse and the fear that Communists are everywhere subsided. McCarthyism began to collapse and the fear that Communists are everywhere subsided. V. The Postwar United States Preparing For Possible War 1951: The Selective Service Act allowed the government to draft men between the ages of 18 and 26. National Highway Act of 1956 called for the construction of the interstate highway system. V. The Postwar United States Interstates improved mobility for citizens, would allow military troops to move quicker, and would allow cities to be evacuated much faster. Interstates improved mobility for citizens, would allow military troops to move quicker, and would allow cities to be evacuated much faster. During his farewell address, Eisenhower warned of a growing military-industrial complex. During his farewell address, Eisenhower warned of a growing military-industrial complex. That is, industry has a financial incentive for war (War = more money). That is, industry has a financial incentive for war (War = more money).