As with any other text, it is impossible to separate Bradbury's work from the historical, social, and political context in which it was written. Most of us are familiar with the term "The Cold War," yet many of us may be lost as to the specifics of that war, and/or how it influenced the writing of Fahrenheit 451. Following the end of World War II (during which the United States and the Soviet Union had been allies), tensions between the two great countries arose. Not only did they not agree with regards to the treatment of Korea (which the two countries had divided in order to accept the surrender of Japan), but the two superpowers also had decided differences of opinion relating to economical development and politics. The United States espoused capitalism (a system by which resources are privately owned and controlled) and democracy, while the Soviet Union believed in communism (a classless system in which resources are communally owned and all citizens have social equality) and a one party government. Predictably, these conflicting views lead to trouble.
Termed the "Cold War" because there was no direct fighting between the two countries, there was, nonetheless, much turmoil. Involved in the Korean, Vietnamese, and Afghani wars, each side backed opposing parties as they attempted to gain the upper hand in the war for supremacy. This turmoil escalated with the nuclear weapons developed by each side. You can imagine the tension, the propaganda, and the espionage that occurred during this time!
In the United States there existed a deep fear of communism and all such "radical" thinking. In fact, communists and other free-thinkers fell under the eye of a government keen to root out ideas deemed to be "dangerous." Enter a period of sanctioned censorship - and the historical, social, and political backdrop for F451. For those of you who are history enthusiasts, I would encourage you to have a look at The Wilson Centre: Digital Archive: Cold War History for a complete and interactive timeline of The Cold War.
Termed the "Cold War" because there was no direct fighting between the two countries, there was, nonetheless, much turmoil. Involved in the Korean, Vietnamese, and Afghani wars, each side backed opposing parties as they attempted to gain the upper hand in the war for supremacy. This turmoil escalated with the nuclear weapons developed by each side. You can imagine the tension, the propaganda, and the espionage that occurred during this time!
In the United States there existed a deep fear of communism and all such "radical" thinking. In fact, communists and other free-thinkers fell under the eye of a government keen to root out ideas deemed to be "dangerous." Enter a period of sanctioned censorship - and the historical, social, and political backdrop for F451. For those of you who are history enthusiasts, I would encourage you to have a look at The Wilson Centre: Digital Archive: Cold War History for a complete and interactive timeline of The Cold War.
One of the most active protesters of Communism was Senator Joseph McCarthy. For an example of the rhetoric he used to rally Americans to his cause, have a listen to the video below. Although he was eventually censured by the United States Senate for his questionable tactics, many believed in his work of exposing "treason." Question: is having a difference of political ideas treasonous?