Cold War: The period of political tension between the United States and Soviet Union that lasted from 1947 to 1991. It was characterized by rivalry, proxy wars, and nuclear arms race between both superpowers.
Venona Project: A U.S. intelligence operation that decrypted Soviet diplomatic cables during World War II and revealed evidence connecting Julius Rosenberg and others to espionage activities.
McCarthyism: The practice of making accusations without sufficient evidence based on alleged communist affiliations or sympathies. Named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, it refers to a broader atmosphere of fear-mongering during the Second Red Scare.