What does the term "Red Scare" refer to?

The term "Red Scare" refers to a period characterized by heightened fears of communism and its influence within the United States. This phenomenon primarily occurred in the early to mid-20th century, particularly after World War I and during the late 1940s and early 1950s. During these times, there was a widespread anxiety that communism could infiltrate American society, politics, and institutions, stoked by events such as the Russian Revolution and the Cold War tensions.

The "Red Scare" led to significant societal consequences, including government crackdowns on suspected communists and a wave of paranoia that affected numerous individuals and organizations. This atmosphere fostered the establishment of loyalty oaths, the activities of Congressional committees, and the entertainment industry's blacklisting of individuals accused of communist affiliations. This stark apprehension about communist ideologies defines the term, making "a period of anti-communist sentiment" the correct choice in understanding the historical context and implications of the "Red Scare."