Alger Hiss Case, 1948 to 1950

Who was Alger Hiss?

Alger Hiss was an ex-adviser to President Roosevelt who was accused of being a communist during the Second Red Scare.

When was Alger Hiss put on trial?

Alger Hiss was accused in 1948. His first trial was in August 1949 and his second trial was in January 1950.

What was Alger Hiss accused of?

Alger Hiss was accused of being a member of the Communist Party and spying on America for the USSR.

What happened during the trial of Alger Hiss?

There were 3 main events during his trials:

• ❖ Whittaker Chambers, an ex-member of the Communist Party, claimed in a HUAC hearing that Alger Hiss was a communist who was spying when he worked for President Roosevelt and passed on government documents.
• ❖ Hiss appeared before HUAC and was put on trial.
• ❖ At the second trial in 1950, Hiss was found guilty of perjury - lying to the court. He was charged for lying about giving government documents to Chambers.

What punishment did Alger Hiss receive?

Alger Hiss was sentenced to 5 years in prison for perjury.

What happened during the trial of Alger Hiss that affected the case?

During his case the USSR tested its first atomic bomb. This resulted in a heightened fear the Soviets had gained nuclear secrets by spying in America, and that Soviet spies occupied powerful positions in the USA.

What were the results of the Alger Hiss case?

There were 2 main consequences of the Alger Hiss case:

• ❖ The Second Red Scare continued to grow.
• ❖ The government passed the McCarran Act in 1950. This meant Communist Party members could not hold an American passport or work in the defence industries. Any communist organisations also had to be registered with the government.