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Chapter Two - Red Flag Rising (January -July 1949)
Chapter Two - Red Flag Rising (January 1949 - July 1949)
McCarthy speaks out against Communism ‘Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin) has spoken to the Post about his fervent opposition to communism. He told us “The Communist Party is the source of most evil in America. I ask why the government of the United States permitted an organisation of traitors to run amok in our beautiful country. Quite frankly, John, it is traitorous behaviour.” The Senator defeated Robert M. LaFollette Jr in 1946 and does not have any significant accomplishments as of yet. He also told us – “I am looking in to communist sympathisers in our government and I promise I will get back to you very soon.”
The Washington Post, February 1949
Senator Joe McCarthy
NATO Signed in Washington ‘The North Atlantic Treaty is expected to be signed today in Washington, DC. The treaty creates a formal defensive alliance between the US, Canada and several Anti-Communist countries in Europe. The reception in Washington has been mixed, with Senator Taft, the leader of the isolationist faction in Congress, declaring “This is the end of an independent United States Armed Forces.”
The Washington Post, April 1949
Chinese Communists take Nanjing
‘Yesterday (April 23) communist troops took Nanjing. The city, formerly capital of China, was yet another victory as the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-Shek appear to be in an increasingly dire situation. Vice President MacArthur said “President Truman signed the death warrant for a free and democratic China, which can now be safely called a lost cause. President Dewey and I are working closely with Secretaries Dulles and Marshall, as well as General Eisenhower to ensure that the same fate does not ensue in Korea, Vietnam and Greece.’
The Washington Post, April 1949
Soviets lift Berlin Blockade ‘Yesterday, a spokesperson for the Soviet Union announced that the Blockade around Berlin would be lifted effective today. Last year, President Truman administration began the so called ‘Berlin Airlift’, in collaboration with the RAF and other allied air forces. It disrupted the Soviets despicable and inhumane attempt. The Soviet ambassador to the United States has refused to comment.
The Washington Post, May 1949
‘In June 1949 the FBI named several famous celebrities in a report about the communist threat in America. The ‘2nd Red Scare’ was just heating up as it seemed, with HUAC to begin serious investigations soon after. This of cause came after the Hollywood Ten incident in 1947 when Dalton Trumbo and several other Hollywood characters were blacklisted for being part of the Communist Party.’
HUAC: A History (2009)