Red Scare

Red Scare can be read as solid history of the years it depicts—and chilling prophecy of the years to come.

On the Second Red Scare and the lessons that it can provide for us today.

In his latest book, journalist and historian Clay Risen explores how the House Un-American Activities Committee and Senator Joseph McCarthy upended the nation.

Dean Acheson, President Truman’s prim, patrician undersecretary of state, was sitting in his office on February 21, 1947, when he received a visitor.

At its height, the political crackdown felt terrifying and all-encompassing. What can we learn from how the movement unfolded—and from how it came to an end?

The impact can linger not just for years but decades.