The United States in 1945 and the Rise of the Cold War

Post-World War II America

• Victory over the Nazis and Japan in WWII.
• Millions of American troops return home to a stronger nation.
• The US emerges as a superpower.

Rise of the Soviet Union

• Defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan allows Soviet Union to rise as a superpower.
• The rivalry between the US (capitalist democracy) and the Soviet Union (communist dictatorship) begins.
• Competition in economics, space programs, and militarily (nuclear capabilities).

The Red Scare

• Fear of communism spreads in America.
• Propaganda through posters, advertisements, songs, etc., warning against communism.
• Establishment of the House Un-American Activities Committee to investigate communist activities.

Senator Joseph McCarthy

• Leading figure in anti-communist sentiment; claimed communists were infiltrating American institutions.
• Initiated a campaign to root out alleged communists, known as McCarthyism.
• Supported by many Americans, accused individuals in government, businesses, universities, and media.

McCarthyism and Its Effects

Hollywood and the House Un-American Activities Committee

• Hollywood targeted as being infiltrated by communists.
• Example: Actor Larry Parks admits past Communist Party membership and refuses to name others, leading to prison.

Hollywood Blacklist

• Loyalty checks by studio owners on employees to avoid hiring communists.
• Blacklisting of writers, directors, and actors who did not cooperate.

Arthur Miller and "The Crucible"

Observation and Inspiration

• Arthur Miller noted parallels between McCarthyism and the Salem Witch Trials.
• Wrote "The Crucible," drawing parallels between the hysteria of witch hunts and McCarthy's anti-communist actions.

Implications of "The Crucible"

• The play reflects fear and hysteria driving communities to extreme measures.
• Innocent people confessing to avoid harsh consequences.
• Mild success initially but gained attention from McCarthy.

Arthur Miller's Trials

• Summoned by the House Un-American Activities Committee.
• Refused to name names, citing loyalty to friends.
• Found guilty of contempt of Congress, penalized with a fine, passport refusal, imprisonment, and blacklisting.

Legacy of "The Crucible"

• Miller's most produced play even 60 years later.
• Adaptations include an opera and a 1997 film.
• Represents a timeless classic highlighting themes of fear, prejudice, and societal hysteria.