House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a U.S. congressional committee established in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities. Primarily active during the Cold War, it focused on rooting out communism, particularly in government, entertainment, and other sectors. HUAC conducted public hearings where individuals, including Hollywood figures, were questioned about their political beliefs and associations. Those who refused to cooperate or were labeled as communists often faced blacklisting and career repercussions. The committee became controversial for its methods and perceived overreach, ultimately being disbanded in 1975 as perceptions of its fairness and necessity waned.