Hollywood's Red Scare: Blacklist Hearings Begin
The House Committee on Un-American Activities subpoenaed Hollywood figures in October 1947 to root out alleged Communist propaganda, instantly fracturing the film industry. Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan testified against suspected sympathizers while John Huston, Humphrey Bogart, and others formed a protest committee that faced immediate studio backlash. This confrontation forced eleven "unfriendly witnesses" to refuse testimony, triggering blacklists that erased careers and silenced dissent for decades.
October 20, 1947
79 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on October 20
Alonso de Mendoza founded La Paz in a valley 11,975 feet above sea level on orders from Charles V. He named it Nuestra Señora de La Paz—Our Lady of Peace—becaus…
The Duke of Alba crushed William the Silent’s forces at the Battle of Jodoigne, scattering the Dutch rebel army and forcing William into exile. This victory sec…
Cristóbal de Mondragón led 3,000 Spanish soldiers through ten miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater to surprise the Dutch rebels besieging Goes. This daring mi…
Spanish troops waded through fifteen miles of freezing, waist-deep seawater in a single night to reach the besieged city of Goes. This grueling amphibious maneu…
Royal Navy forces captured the pirate John Rackham, known as Calico Jack, off the coast of Jamaica after his crew failed to mount a defense while intoxicated. H…
Maria Theresa inherited the Austrian throne in 1740 at age 23. Her father had spent years securing promises that Europe would accept a female ruler. France, Pru…
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