Teach with HistoryLink

Introduction

During the 20th century, fear of communism swept across the United States not once, but twice. In Washington State, these Red Scares had deep effects: labor activists were accused of subversion, teachers were investigated, and laws were passed to silence dissent. In this inquiry, students explore how fear of communism changed everyday life, politics, and public debate in Washington, especially during the Cold War. They’ll examine who was targeted, how accusations were spread, and what happened to civil liberties. By analyzing speeches, laws, political cartoons, and personal accounts, students consider the dangers of fear-driven policy and how societies respond.

HistoryLink Articles

• American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
• Washington State Legislature passes the Un-American Activities bill on March 8, 1947.
• Canwell, Albert F. (1907-2002)
• University of Washington is said on March 24, 1948, to have more than 150 Communists or sympathizers.
• University of Washington sees Red and fires three faculty members on January 22, 1949.
• Two City of Seattle employees lose jobs for refusing to sign a loyalty oath on September 7, 1951.
• U.S. Supreme Court strikes down loyalty oaths for Washington state employees on June 1, 1964.
• History Day award winner — House UnAmerican Activities Committee: The Case of George Starkovich by Elliott Allen