Espionage and Subversion: There were concerns that Soviet agents were infiltrating American institutions and government agencies to steal secrets and subvert American society. The arrest of several high-profile spies, including Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, further fueled these fears.
Loyalty and Security Concerns: The US government was concerned about the loyalty of American citizens who were suspected of being communists or communist sympathizers. Loyalty programs were implemented to screen government employees and other sensitive positions for potential security risks.
Political and Cultural Tensions: The Red Scare was also influenced by broader political and cultural tensions in American society. The period was marked by a conservative backlash against liberal and progressive movements, and the fear of communism was used as a tool to suppress dissent and stifle political opposition.
Media Coverage and Sensationalism: The Red Scare was amplified by media coverage that often sensationalized reports of communist infiltration and subversion. Newspapers, radio, and film contributed to the public's fear and anxiety by presenting communism as a clear and imminent threat to American values and way of life.