Investigations refer to the process of gathering information and evidence in order to uncover facts or solve a particular problem. In the context of the Second Red Scare, investigations were conducted to identify individuals suspected of engaging in Communist activities.
Related terms
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC): This committee was responsible for investigating alleged subversive activities, particularly those related to communism, within the United States.
Joseph McCarthy: Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. senator who played a prominent role in leading investigations into suspected communists during the Second Red Scare. He used aggressive tactics and made sensational claims without substantial evidence.
Blacklisting: Blacklisting refers to making a list of individuals who are believed to be involved in communist or subversive activities. These individuals would then face professional consequences such as being denied employment opportunities or having their careers ruined.