This document discusses McCarthyism and blacklisting in Hollywood during the Cold War era. It provides context on Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade in the 1950s where he accused many people of being communist spies without evidence. This led to the term "McCarthyism." It also discusses the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigating communist activity and employees being blacklisted and fired if suspected of communist involvement, including the Hollywood Ten like Charlie Chaplin.