How McCarthyism Worked

Senator Joseph McCarthy whipped up anti-Communist hysteria in the early 1950s -- using controversial tactics and ruining hundreds of careers, including his own.

Railroads During World War II

The railroad industry struggled through the Great Depression only to be taken over during World War II. Learn why, despite the government restrictions on their technology and use, railroads reached top form during World War II.

Communist Party, U.S.A.

Communist Party, U.S.A., the formal organization in the United States of persons who advocate Marxism-Leninism and support the Communist movement.

United States Enacts the Lend-Lease Bill: January 1941-June 1941

This World War II timeline highlights important dates from January 1941 to June 1941. On June 22, 1941, Germany launched the largest invasion in the history of the world when they began war with Russia. Follow the events of World War II and the German invasion.

Alben Barkley

Barkley, Alben William (1877-1956), a United States political leader. He was 35th Vice President of the United States (1949-53), under President Harry S.

Dean Acheson

Acheson, Dean (Gooderham) (1893–1971), a United States statesman and lawyer. Acheson was a principal architect of United States foreign policy in the early post-World War II period.

Edward Riley Stettinius Jr.

Stettinius, Edward R . (Reilly), Jr. (1900–1949), a United States industrialist and statesman.

Eisenhower Years

In 1952 General Eisenhower was elected President on the Republican ticket. His victory over Governor Adlai E.

Experimental Trains

Experimental trains were tested and were quickly dropped due to their size and unreliability. The cramped accommodations contributed to the relatively low impact these trains made when they were introduced. Learn more about some of the experimental trains.

Hiss Case

Hiss Case , in United States history, one of the most controversial cases in the postwar period of Communist scares.

Postwar Era

In its approach to domestic issues, the Truman administration reflected a New Deal philosophy.

Rosenberg Case

Rosenberg Case, a controversial spy trial in the United States in the 1950's. Julius (1918–1953) and Ethel Rosenberg (1915–1953), husband and wife, were accused of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union.

States' Rights Party

States' Rights Party, in United States history, the Southern Democrats who bolted the Democratic party during the 1948 election campaign over the issue of civil rights.

Steam Versus Diesel

The steam versus diesel debate was one that lasted for 20 heated years as technology advanced. The debate centered on the concept of tradition versus technology. Learn more about the steam versus diesel debate.

The Cold War Railroad

The Cold War railroad was constructed by the Russian government during the height of the Cold War. Trade embargoes limited the number of locomotives the government was able to attain. Learn more about the Cold War railroad.