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Q: What was McCarthyism? How and Why did it flourish in the 1950s.

Explore the origins and impact of McCarthyism, a period of wild accusations and paranoia fueled by the fear of communism. Discover why politicians took advantage of this climate and the lasting effects on American politics and national security.

kathleenherman
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Q: What was McCarthyism? How and Why did it flourish in the 1950s.

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  1. Q: What was McCarthyism?How and Why did it flourish in the 1950s. A: When people are scared, there’s opportunity for politicians to take advantage

  2. Definition • McCarthyism is the name we now associate with wild, unfounded charges of disloyalty, pioneered by Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin). • In the 1950’s, it was associated with communism

  3. McCarthy doesn’t exist in a vacuum • Americans have real fears of things like ATOMIC BOMBS

  4. Americans have Other REAL FEARS • Global competition w/ USSR • Soviets get bomb in 1949—same year China falls • How could this happen?? • Several High Profile Spy Cases • Alger Hiss • The Rosenbergs • Also rises because political forces play on fears to make political gains.

  5. SPIES SEEM TO BE EVERYWHERE • Several High Profile Spy Cases • Klaus Fuchs • Alger Hiss • The Rosenbergs

  6. HUAC • House UnAmerican Activities Committee • Formed in 1930s, didn’t do much till post WWII Red Scare. • High Profile investigations—especially in Hollywood leads to many being blacklisted—most without anything more than very shadowy ties to disloyalty.

  7. WHY DO THEY DO IT? Its politically advantageous to be a communist hunter Wins votes, promotes careers WHAT IF YOU GET CALLED TO TESTIFY IN FRONT OF HUAC? You could take 5th Amendment (then you’re guilty by association. You could refuse to cooperate. Best is to apologize for your foolish youth and name names. HUAC (con’t)

  8. Truman’s Loyalty Program • Started b/c of political pressure • Thousands investigated—could be found “Guilty by Suspicion”—no “reasonable doubt” needed to dismiss. • Not as “sexy” as other instances—did as much real damage

  9. So Why does McCarthy get so big? • Right guy, right time • Understood how Media Works (accusations get front page, retractions buried inside) • Shameless • Republicans let him operate b/c they gained politically • People afraid to criticize him

  10. Legacy of McCarthy • I’d love to say we learned a big lesson , but . . . . • Changes style of politics—the attack dog stuff works, no matter how much we claim to hate it. • Weakens US Security • Makes all anti-communists look bad • Many key experts, especially on SE Asia purged from government—in subsequent years having people who really understood SE Asia might have been helpful.

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