During the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) primarily targeted individuals suspected of communist affiliations, including leftist activists, labor union members, and civil rights advocates. They also focused on Hollywood figures, such as writers, directors, and actors, who were accused of having communist ties. Additionally, various minority groups, particularly those associated with socialist or progressive ideologies, faced scrutiny and suspicion during this era of McCarthyism. The campaign created a climate of fear and led to widespread accusations and blacklisting.
Also called HUAC it was establidhed in 1937 to investigate suspected communists members of the Ku Klux Klan and other groups. It once had among its members, Richard Nixon. It was infamous as the creator of the blacklisting of Hollwood writers.
The House of Un-American Activity, or HUAC, was known for investigating communism in the film industry. They created a blacklist of Hollywood stars that they suspected had communist ties, destroying their careers.
Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities created a reign of terror by going on a communist witch hunt. McCarthy questioned the loyalty and patriotism of people he suspected of being communists. Hearings were held and reputations were ruined.
Senator Joseph McCarthy was the leading figure in the 1950s Red Scare, or witch hunt for Communists in the government. The Senator from Wisconsin had nothing to do with the blacklisting of artists by the House UnAmerican Activities Committee, another group searching out Communists or "fellow travelers." McCarthy claimed that there were known communists in the State Department. He held investigations and hearings and ruined many careers. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower so feared his influence with the public that they did nothing to stop him. When McCarthy attacked the US Army as a hotbed of communist activity, the Senate finally censored him and he died a broken politician.
The HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) relentlessly pursued anyone it suspected of supporting Communist ideas. Hollywood studios circulated a blacklist of industry people who were denied work in films because they opposed HUAC and spoke out.
You ca get put in jail, if you engage in, or suspected to have engaged in activities termed to be against the set law.
The first Red Scare in the United States was a reaction to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of communism as a global ideology. The fear of communism spreading to the US led to a crackdown on perceived subversive activities and the targeting of individuals and groups suspected of being communist or sympathetic to communism.
There was a paranoia about Communists during the early 1950's. People who had had Communist connections back on the 1930's were exposed and black-listed and suspected as traitors. Sen Joseph McCarthy, in particular, led witch-hunts of government workers who were suspected of Communist leanings. People had to sign an affidavit, certifying that they were not Communists , nor associated with subversive organization.
Jose Rizal was suspected of being a French spy when he published his first novel, "Noli Me Tangere," because of his stay in Europe and his association with Filipino expatriates who were also suspected of being involved in subversive activities against Spain. The novel's themes of injustice and corruption in the Philippines also raised suspicions that Rizal was inciting rebellion against Spanish colonial rule. Additionally, Rizal's advocacy for Filipino rights and reforms threatened the stability of Spanish authority in the Philippines.
The consequences of refusing to answer questions asked by the House Un-American Activities Committee given to the "Hollywood 10" included being cited with contempt of Congress and being given jail sentences. Because of the "Hollywood 10", Hollywood established a blacklist which was a collection of names of Hollywood personalities suspected of having communist ties. Those on the blacklist were unable to find work in the movies and lost their friends.Alger Hiss was accused by the HUAC of being a Soviet spy, convicted of perjury, and imprisoned.You could be blacklisted.
The House Un-American Activities Committee was itself the single most un-American activity of the 20th Century. It ruined the lives of thousands of innocent Americans and made a mockery of the rule of law. Under its hysterical pressure many Americans betrayed themselves and their friends, "naming names" of "Communists." Fiercely anti-intellectual and illiberal, the HUAC was a blot on our national character and brought nothing but shame to the House of Representatives.
By him, one assumes you mean Crucible playwright Arthur Miller. Miller was called before the Congressional House on Un-American Activities Committee and asked to name names. In other words, he was asked to inform on his friends who were suspected of being members of the American Communist Party or sympathizers, which he refused to do. After Miller's testimony, the committee voted to cite all witnesses who refused to name names with Contempt of Congress. Compare that with the courtroom scene in the play.