Labor Unions:
- Accusations of Communist Infiltration: Unions were accused of being infiltrated by communists and promoting subversive activities. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 required union leaders to sign affidavits stating they weren't communists, leading to the expulsion or resignation of many union leaders.
- Loyalty Review Boards: Some unions established loyalty review boards to investigate and purge alleged communists from their ranks. These boards often relied on flimsy evidence and contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion within unions.
- Government Investigations: The government launched investigations into unions suspected of communist influence. The most famous of these was the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee (SISS), chaired by Senator Joseph McCarthy, which held hearings and made accusations against union leaders.
- Unfair Labor Practices: Employers, emboldened by the anti-communist atmosphere, engaged in unfair labor practices such as blacklisting union activists, refusing to bargain collectively, and suppressing union organizing efforts.
Civil Rights Groups:
- Targeting of Activists: Civil rights leaders and activists were often labeled as communists or communist sympathizers. They faced government surveillance, harassment, and even imprisonment. Prominent figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Shirley Graham DuBois were targeted.
- McCarthyism's Impact on Civil Rights: The climate of fear and suspicion created by McCarthyism made it difficult for civil rights groups to operate openly and advocate for their causes. Some organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), had to divert resources to defend themselves against accusations of communism.
- Resistance and Resilience: Despite the challenges, many civil rights groups continued their work, emphasizing the importance of fighting both racial discrimination and political repression. They often formed alliances with other progressive organizations to resist McCarthyism and protect their members.
The second Red Scare had a profound impact on both labor unions and civil rights groups, stifling dissent, limiting organizing efforts, and creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.