The Cold War and McCarthyism

Following the end of World War II, the USA and USSR emerged as global superpowers. Their rivalry increased as each nation tried to prevent the other from gaining too much power. What followed became known as the Cold War, a term to describe an ideological battle between capitalism in America and Western Europe, and Communism favored by the Soviet Union. It should be noted that, despite its name, the struggle did not result in an actual war between America and the USSR (although it did lead to a number of smaller conflicts). This guide will look at the development of the Cold War and how it has been represented on stage. We will also explore the domestic impact of the struggle on America and the reaction against Communism, both on stage and off.

Terminology

• Capitalism: An economic and political system in which private owners control trade and industry for profit.
• Communism: A government and economic system in which people do not own individual property.
• USSR: The Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, was a country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 to 1991.

Key Dates & Events

• 1938 - The House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) is founded.
• 1945 - The WW2 Manhattan Project leads to US development of the Atomic Bomb
• 1947 - The Marshall Plan authorized the US government to supply military aid against communism
• 1947 - ‘The Hollywood 10’ publicly condemn the HUAC amidst its investigation of alleged communist activity in Hollywood.
• 1947 - Bertolt Brecht is brought before the HUAC and makes the decision to return to Germany the following day.
• 1949 - NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is formed.
• 1949 - The USSR tests its first atomic bomb and the Cold War Arms Race begins.
• 1950 - ‘McCarthyism’ (led by Senator Joseph McCarthy) brings in the era of anti-communist hysteria (1950-1954).
• 1953 - The Crucible premiered on Broadway.
• 1956 - Arthur Miller appears before the HUAC and refuses to identify any potential Communists.
• 1956 - The Hungarian Revolution sparks unrest but is swiftly quashed by Russian tanks.
• 1957 - USSR launches Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, kicking off the Cold War Space race. NASA is established the following year.
• 1961 - The Berlin Wall is erected, dividing East and West Berlin.
• 1961 - The Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation.
• 1969 - The USA wins the race to place the first man on the moon.
• 1975 -The first USA / USSR multinational manned missions end the Cold War Space Race.
• 1984 - Chess, the concept album is released. The musical has its stage premiere in London in 1986.
• 1989 - The fall of the Berlin Wall.
• 1991 - The Soviet Union collapses, ending the Cold War.