N E W   D E A L   N E T W O R K

The Great Depression and the Arts
A Unit of Study for Grades 8-12

Home  |   Teachers' Guide  |   Lesson Plans  |   Project Information  |   Credits

Special Committee on Un-American Propaganda Activities in the United States

House of Representatives 1938

In 1938 the United States House of Representatives established a special committee to investigate un-American activities. Under the direction of Chairman Martin Dies, Democrat from Texas, the committee focused on the "extent, character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States." The published hearing reports cover more than 3,000 pages and include the testimony of over one hundred persons.

It is difficult to do justice to testimony that covers thousands of pages in the excerpts of the testimony of four witnesses presented below. From these excerpts you should be able to gain some idea of the criticisms leveled against the Federal Theatre Project and its director, Hallie Flanagan.

Testimony of Wallace Stark
Testimony of Hazel Huffman
Testimony of Charles Walton
Testimony of Hallie Flanagan

Home  |   Teachers' Guide  |   Lesson Plans  |   Project Information  |   Credits
The Great Depression and the Arts

N E W   D E A L   N E T W O R K