Why were people called before the HUAC?

People were called before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) primarily to investigate alleged communist influence in the United States, particularly in government, entertainment, and other sectors. The committee aimed to identify and expose individuals who were thought to be involved with the Communist Party or to have sympathies toward communist ideologies. Testimonies often included accusations and the questioning of personal beliefs and associations, which contributed to the broader climate of fear and suspicion during the Red Scare. This period was marked by a crackdown on perceived subversive elements, leading to significant impacts on civil liberties and personal lives.