McCarthy was not the only individual to seek out potential communists.
The House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) targeted the Hollywood film industry. Actors, writers, and producers alike were summoned to appear before the committee and provide names of colleagues who may have been members of the Communist Party.
Those who repented and named names of suspected communists were allowed to return to business as usual. Those who refused to address the committee were cited for contempt. Uncooperative artists were blacklisted from jobs in the entertainment industry. Years passed until many had their reputations restored. Below is an example:
"Sir, I detest, I abhor their [communists'] philosophy, but I detest more than that their tactics, which are those of the fifth column, and are dishonest, but at the same time I never as a citizen want to see our country become urged, by either fear or resentment of this group, that we ever compromise with any of our democratic principles through that fear or resentment. I still think that democracy can do it."
- Ronald Reagan, testifying in front of the HUAC as president of the Screen Actors Guild (1947) Which of the following best describes how Reagan viewed the investigations and trials?
He helped organize Senator McCarthy's investigations on communism in America.
He was worried that they may get out of control and violate democratic values.
He was hopeful that the investigations would uncover secret communists in the U.S. government.
He regretted that people were blacklisted but insisted it was necessary for democracy.
1 answer
The statement by Ronald Reagan indicates that he was worried that the investigations and trials may get out of control and violate democratic values. He expresses a clear concern about the tactics used against suspected communists and emphasizes the importance of not compromising democratic principles due to fear or resentment. Therefore, the best description of how Reagan viewed the investigations and trials is:
He was worried that they may get out of control and violate democratic values.
