Read this timeline carefully. Major events are in blue boxes on the left. Extra information is in pink boxes on the right. Look at the photographs to see the individuals involved in this story.

Josef Stalin, Communist leader of the Soviet Union, 1922-1953
 

Mao Tse-Tung, Chairman of the Communist Party in China, 1945-1976

Alger Hiss, seated at extreme right, tells members of the House Un-American Activities Committee on August 5, 1948 that "I am not and never have been a member of the Communist party." (AP Photo) names of committee members

The "Hollywood 10" stand with their attorneys outside district court in Washington, D.C., Jan. 9, 1948 before arraignment on contempt of Congress charges. The ten were charged for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee. (AP Photo) names of people in photo

Louis B. Mayer, left, head of MGM studios testifies before the House Un-American Activities committee in Washington DC on Oct. 20, 1947, during the probe of communist activities in Hollywood. (AP Photo/stf)

Sen. Joseph McCarthy, (R-Wis.) points to a map headed "Communist party organization of the U.S.A. Feb. 9, 1950," during testimony June 9, 1954 in Washington, D.C. (AP PHOTO/files)

CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow, in 1939. (AP Photo/CBS)

Senator Joseph McCarthy, undated photo (AP Photo)

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