2. What contributed to public fear during the Second Red Scare in the United States? Select the TWO answers that apply. A The spread of communism in Europe and Asia B The rise of fascist governments in Germany and Italy C A series of bombings targeting elected officials D A communist victory in the Russian Revolution The Soviet Union's development of atomic weapons

## Step 1<br />The Second Red Scare refers to the fear of communism that permeated American politics, culture, and society from the late 1940s through the 1950s, during the opening stages of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. This period is also known as "McCarthyism", named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who was a major figure in the anti-communist hysteria of the time.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The fear was fueled by several factors, including the spread of communism in Europe and Asia (Option A) and the Soviet Union's development of atomic weapons (Option E). These events were seen as direct threats to the United States, leading to widespread fear and paranoia.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The rise of fascist governments in Germany and Italy (Option B) and a communist victory in the Russian Revolution (Option D) are not directly related to the Second Red Scare. These events occurred before the Second Red Scare and are not considered significant contributors to the fear during this period.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />A series of bombings targeting elected officials (Option C) could have contributed to the fear, but there is no historical evidence to suggest that such bombings were a significant factor in the Second Red Scare.