Those purges were actually targeting communists.
The CIO was a communist-led organization from the 30’s to mid-40’s. Notable leaders in the CPUSA occupied top positions.
Gus Hall, the leader of the CPUSA throughout the “Cold War”, was the founder of the CIO’s United Steelworkers - the largest steelworkers union in the country. Hall spent the 50’s in prison under the under the Smith Act.
Harry Bridges, another top Communist Party leader, founded the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He was stripped of his position as the CIO Regional Director & the ILWU was removed from the CIO during the Red Scare. He wasn’t tried under the Smith Act. Instead, the US pursued deportation.
Sounds about right. I’m almost surprised they weren’t tried for treason, considering it was in the 50’s.
