Anti-communist Propaganda: The American media and government engaged in anti-communist propaganda, portraying communism as a threat to individual liberty, democracy, and the American way of life. This propaganda fueled public fears of a communist takeover in the United States.
Red Scare and Political Repression: The fear of communism led to a period known as the "Red Scare," during which the U.S. government engaged in political repression to root out suspected communists and communist sympathizers. This included investigations, blacklisting, and loyalty oaths, which led to the infringement of civil liberties and the violation of constitutional rights.
Impact on Foreign Policy: The fear of communism also influenced American foreign policy. The United States adopted a policy of containment to prevent the spread of communism globally. This policy manifested in support for anti-communist regimes, involvement in wars like the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the establishment of military alliances such as NATO.