The Cold War at Home: The Red Scare in Pennsylvania, 1945-1960

by Philip Jenkins

Overview

One of the most significant industrial states in the country, with a powerful radical tradition, Pennsylvania was, by the early 1950s, the scene of some of the fiercest anti-Communist activism in the United States. Philip Jenkins examines the political and social impact of the Cold War across the state, tracing the Red Scare's reverberations in party politics, the labor movement, ethnic organizations, schools and universities, and religious organizations.

Among Jenkins's most provocative findings is the revelation that, although their absolute numbers were not large, Communists were very well positioned in crucial Pennsylvania regions and constituencies, particularly in labor unions, the educational system, and major ethnic organizations. Instead of focusing on Pennsylvania's right-wing politicians (the sort represented nationally by Senator Joseph McCarthy), Jenkins emphasizes the anti-Communist activities of liberal politicians, labor leaders, and ethnic community figures who were terrified of Communist encroachments on their respective power bases. He also stresses the deep roots of the state's militant anti-Communism, which can be traced back at least into the 1930s.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807847817
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	10/18/1999
Edition description:	1
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

Philip Jenkins is Distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University. His books include Hoods and Shirts: The Extreme Right in Pennsylvania, 1925-1950 and Moral Panic: Changing Concepts of the Child Molester in Modern America.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations Used in the Text
1. Introduction
2. Haunting Pennsylvania: The Communist Tradition
3. The New Americanism, 1944-1950
4. Red Scare Rampant, 1950-1953
5. Saving Labor
6. Teaching Americanism: The Purge of the Teaching Profession
7. The Struggle for the Ethnic Communities
8. Constructing the Beast: The Churches and Anti-Communism
9. Coming in from the Cold War, 1956-1968
10. Consequences
Notes
Index

Tables
1. Major Centers of Henry Wallace's Support in Pennsylvania, 1948
2. The Shifting Partisan Balance in Pennsylvania, 1926-1964
3. Pennsylvania Senators and Governors, 1938-1968
4. Defendants in the Smith Act Trials in Pennsylvania
5. National Origins of the Largest Foreign-Born Populations in Pennsylvania, 1930
6. Selected Ethnic and Fraternal Organizations Listed as Subversive by the U.S. Attorney General

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Readers might be forgiven for wondering if yet another book on such an intensively studied subject could reveal much new. Happily, the answer is a largely unqualified yes . . . . This is an important book for anyone interested in American anti-communism and the domestic history of the Cold War.—American Studies



Jenkins's book is a very useful and comprehensive account that is especially effective in pointing out the bipartisan basis of the Pennsylvania red scare . . . and also how significantly it was shaped by fears of imminent war with and even physical invasion by the Soviet Union.—Journal of American History



The strength of his book is in its provocative details, hints for those unraveling theoretical puzzles about the far Right and fascism.—International Labor and Working-Class History



A significant contribution to understanding Cold War internal security politics. . . . Highly recommended.—Choice



The Cold War at Home is well-written, thoughtful and provocative. By demonstrating how and why liberals and New Dealers enlisted in and led the anti-Communist crusade in Pennsylvania, Jenkins expands our understanding of Democratic politics in the 1940s and 1950s and challenges some long-held myths about anti-Communism and McCarthyism.—Harvey Klehr, coauthor of The Amerasia Spy Case: Prelude to McCarthyism



The Cold War at Home is a superb book—something that Cold War historians have needed for years. Deeply researched and beautifully written, it ties local events to the national picture in a truly meaningful way, allowing the reader to see the impact of major issues upon ordinary lives.—David M. Oshinsky, Rutgers University

Editorial Reviews

"The Cold War at Home" is a superb book-something that Cold War historians have needed for years.

David M. Oshinsky, Rutgers University

A significant contribution to understanding Cold War internal security politics.

"Choice"

A very useful and comprehensive account that is especially effective in pointing out the bipartisan basis of the Pennsylvania red scare .

"Journal of American History"

The strength of his book is in its provocative details, hints for those unraveling theoretical puzzles about the far Right and fascism.

"International Labor and Working-Class History"

This is an important book for anyone interested in American anti-communism and the domestic history of the Cold War.

"American Studies"

"The Cold War at Home" is a superb book--something that Cold War historians have needed for years.

David M. Oshinsky, Rutgers University

""The Cold War at Home" is a superb book--something that Cold War historians have needed for years.

David M. Oshinsky, Rutgers University"

"The strength of his book is in its provocative details, hints for those unraveling theoretical puzzles about the far Right and fascism.

"International Labor and Working-Class History""

From the Publisher