What was the Alger Hiss affair primarily about?

The Alger Hiss affair was primarily a spy case that had significant implications for the Truman administration and the early Cold War period. Alger Hiss, a former State Department official, was accused of being a Soviet spy and was later convicted of perjury related to his denial of these allegations. The case emerged in the late 1940s and became a focal point of concern regarding communist infiltration in the U.S. government, stimulating public fear and distrust during a time when the tensions of the Cold War were escalating.

The fallout from the Hiss affair had lasting effects on American politics, contributing to the rise of anti-communist sentiment and the political career of figures like Richard Nixon, who played a key role in exposing Hiss. This incident exemplified the anxiety surrounding espionage during this era and underscored the impact of such accusations on individuals, the government, and public perception. The significance of the case lies in its connections to broader themes of loyalty, secrecy, and the ideological battles of the time.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the primary focus of the Hiss affair. The case was not centered on foreign policy achievements, economic scandals, or civil rights movements; rather, it encapsulated the tensions of the early