End of McCarthyism Flashcards
How did Eisenhower privately describe McCarthy? (2 examples)
‘A pimple of the path of progress’ + ‘an embarrassment for the administration’
Why did Eisenhower allow McCarthy continue his intemperate crusade? (3 examples)
He had considerable support
It would not be worth the Presidency’s time
Eisenhower was convinced McCarthy would ultimately destroy himself anyway
What poll showcases McCarthy’s support? What were these statistics?
An August 1954 Poll
50% Americans and 62% Republicans still admired McCarthy
How did Eisenhower word that confronting McCarthy would be futile?
It would make the Presidency ridiculous to - ‘get into a pissing contest with that skunk… [just] ignore him, this he cannot stand.’
Which organisation did McCarthyites attack and why?
Voice of America (VOA) - an international media broadcaster
It apparently had subversive books in overseas libraries
What did Secretary of State Dulles do in response to the McCarthyites’ attacks on the VOA?
He sacked 830 VOA employees
When and what were the names of the hearings that ultimately sealed McCarthy’s downfall?
The Army-McCarthy hearings (April-June 1954)
How long did the Army-McCarthy hearings last?
36 days and over 2 million words of testimony
Who were the main people in the Army-McCarthy hearings?
Joseph McCarthy
Roy Cohn (McCarthy’s chief counsel)
Joseph Welch (Army’s chief counsel)
What was the backdrop of the Army-McCarthy hearings?
1954 - McCarthy led a congressional investigation on New Jersey Army bases - accusing them of having communist spies within
What did Eisenhower limit McCarthy of doing? How did he do this?
McCarthy’s subpoena power was limited
Eisenhower had denied McCarthy access to administration personnel and records - unable to gather concrete evidence or disclosures
What was the subpoena power?
The ability to forcefully summon somebody into court
How did McCarthy present himself during the hearings?
A blubbering mess - drunk and all over the place
What was special about these hearings? Who had planned this?
They were televised which meant everyone could see McCarthy’s reputation crumble in real time
Democrat Lyndon Johnson had organised this to be the case
What was said by Welch which essentially ruined McCarthy’s national reputation? How did McCarthy respond to this?
'’Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?’’
McCarthy remained silent, seemingly realising he has been publicly caught in his lies and looked resigned/defeated
