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The CPUSA was under heavy attack by the U.S. government after 1947 and the start of the [[Cold War]].  After gaining control of many [[CIO]] locals and unions it was expelled from the CIO in 1948 and operated some small unions, such as the fur workers. It supported and gained control of the presidential campaign of [[Henry A. Wallace]] in 1948.  After 1948 it was a hunted target and played only a small role.

The CPUSA was under heavy attack by the U.S. government after 1947 and the start of the [[Cold War]].  After gaining control of many [[CIO]] locals and unions it was expelled from the CIO in 1948 and operated some small unions, such as the fur workers. It supported and gained control of the presidential campaign of [[Henry A. Wallace]] in 1948.  After 1948 it was a hunted target and played only a small role.

Membership in the CPUSA was a high maintenance operation--the Party demanded full control of people's ideas, friendships, jobs and activities.  There were repeated in-depth investigations, humiliating confessions, and purges. Many sympathizers (or "fellow travelers") supported Communist goals but refused to become members.  Of those who did join turnover in membership was very high, with most people staying less than a year before they quit in disgust with the intellectual and social regimentation of the party and its structure as a top-down dictatorship that took orders from Moscow.

Membership in the CPUSA was a high maintenance commitment--the Party demanded full control of people's ideas, friendships, jobs and activities.  There were repeated in-depth investigations, humiliating interrogations, forced confessions, and purges. Many sympathizers (or "fellow travelers") supported Communist goals but refused to become members.  Of those who did join turnover in membership was very high, with most people staying less than a year before they quit in disgust with the intellectual and social regimentation of the party and its structure as a top-down dictatorship that took orders from Moscow.  The CPUSA did not kill anyone, but many of the American Communists who traveled to Russia were executed.