Why was there an extensive red scare at home?

Answer 1

The extensive Red Scare in the United States, particularly during the late 1940s and early 1950s, was fueled by fears of communist infiltration and espionage, especially in the context of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Events such as the Soviet Union's successful atomic bomb test and the discovery of spies like Julius and Ethel Rosenberg heightened public anxiety. This led to widespread paranoia, government investigations, and blacklisting, as individuals and organizations were scrutinized for suspected communist ties. The Red Scare reflected a broader societal fear of subversion and the perceived threat to American democracy and values.