What term describes the fear of communism that led to anti-communist actions in the United States?

The term that describes the fear of communism that led to anti-communist actions in the United States is "Red Scare." This term refers to periods in American history, particularly after World War I and during the late 1940s to early 1950s, when there was heightened fear and concern over the spread of communism and its influence within the U.S. and around the world. The Red Scare led to widespread paranoia, government actions against suspected communists, and a cultural atmosphere that prioritized anti-communist sentiments.

During these periods, individuals considered to have communist sympathies or associations faced significant scrutiny and persecution, leading to events like the House Un-American Activities Committee investigations and the actions of notable figures such as Senator Joseph McCarthy, which is where McCarthyism—another common term regarding anti-communist efforts—originated. While this term specifically references intense anti-communist tactics attributed to McCarthy, the broader theme of fear driven by the potential for communist influence is aptly captured by the concept of the Red Scare.

In contrast, the Cold War generally refers to the ongoing geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II, the Space Race was a competition between the two