Meaning: The quote by Ken Follett delves into the historical context of American intellectual and political climate before and after World War II. Follett suggests that there was a significant communist influence among American intellectuals prior to the war, and that this was tolerated in a way that changed drastically during the McCarthy era. In order to understand the significance of this quote, it is important to explore the historical background of communism in America, the impact of World War II, and the subsequent shift in attitudes towards communism during the McCarthy era.

Before the outbreak of World War II, there was a growing interest in socialism and communism among American intellectuals. This was partly due to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, which led many to question the capitalist system and seek alternative ideologies. The ideas of prominent communist figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin gained traction among certain segments of the American intellectual and artistic communities. This period saw the emergence of leftist groups and organizations advocating for social and economic change, and some intellectuals openly identified as communists or sympathized with communist ideals.

The war years brought about a shift in attitudes towards communism in America. The United States and the Soviet Union, which had previously been ideologically opposed, became allies in the fight against Nazi Germany. This alliance led to a temporary thaw in anti-communist sentiment in the U.S., as the focus shifted towards the common goal of defeating the Axis powers. The Soviet Union's role in defeating the Nazis earned it a degree of respect and admiration among Americans, including intellectuals who saw the Soviet model as an alternative to capitalist society.

However, the end of World War II marked the beginning of the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension and ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The wartime alliance dissolved, and the Soviet Union's expansionist policies in Eastern Europe and Asia heightened fears of communist influence spreading globally. This shift in international relations had a profound impact on the domestic political climate in the U.S., leading to increased suspicion and hostility towards communism.

The McCarthy era, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, is synonymous with the intense anti-communist sentiment that pervaded American society in the 1950s. McCarthy and his supporters initiated a campaign to root out alleged communists and communist sympathizers from various sectors of American life, including government, academia, and the entertainment industry. This period of heightened anti-communist fervor, known as the "Red Scare," was characterized by public hearings, blacklists, and widespread fear of being associated with communism.

Ken Follett's quote captures the transformation of American attitudes towards communism, particularly among intellectuals and artists. The pre-war period, as he describes it, was marked by a more tolerant atmosphere where communist sympathies were not met with the same level of ostracization and persecution that would later become prevalent during the McCarthy era. The shift from tolerance to fear and suspicion reflects the broader societal changes that took place in response to the Cold War and the perceived threat of communist infiltration.

In conclusion, Ken Follett's quote sheds light on the evolving attitudes towards communism in America, particularly within intellectual circles, before and after World War II. The period preceding the war saw a more open and tolerant environment for communist ideas, which shifted dramatically in the face of Cold War tensions and the McCarthy era. Understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the complexities of American intellectual and political history in the mid-20th century.