· In 1949, the U.S. learned that the Soviet Union also possessed atomic weapons.

· A dramatic fear of communism and communist spies spread across the nation.

Example:

- Americans, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, were accused of stealing nuclear secrets for the Soviets.

- The Rosenbergs were executed for their crimes in 1953.

McCarthy’s reckless claims:

· In 1950, Senator Joseph McCarthy announced that he had a list of 205 State Department employees that were members of the Communist party.

· McCarthy’s claim was never proven, but he helped to increase a fear of communism in America known as the “Red Scare”.

· After thousands of Americans had their lives ruined after being accused of being communists, McCarthy’s popularity lessened as the nation learned that he had no proof behind his accusations.

Communists at the State Department:

- State Department official Alger Hiss was imprisoned for perjury in 1950.

- Hiss had lied under oath, denying that he was a part of a Soviet spy ring that sent U.S. government secrets to the Soviet Union.

The Cold War in Africa and Asia

· The United States and Soviet Union supported their allies worldwide, turning small conflicts into international wars.

Examples:

- In Africa, the U.S. supported Somalia while the Soviets supported Ethiopia.

- In Asia, Pakistan became an ally of the U.S., while India accepted assistance from both the U.S. and the Soviets. Also, the U.S. supported democratic forces in Indochina while the Soviets supported the communists.

- (Note: today, Indochina consists of the nations of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.)