McCarthyism and the Red Scare Flashcards
Describe tension during the years following WW2.
There was a growing rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union due partly to the American fear of the spread of Communism.
What sparked this fear of Communism after ww2?
The fall of China to the Communists in 1949 - was unexpected and some felt the State Department could have done more to prevent it.
What else intensified the fear of the spread of Communism to the USA?
The development of the Cold War in Europe in the years after 1945 and increasing US involvement in Asia, particularly the Korean War.
What did Joseph McCarthy say in his speech on 9th February 1950?
He said the State Department was infested with spies. Although he hadn’t a shred of evidence to back his claims, many listened and believed him.
What did McCarthy’s speech see the inauguration of?
A witch-hunt against members of the State Department other public servants, and finally the army.
What was McCarthy given control of in 1953?
The Senate Committee on Government Operations and its subcommittee on Investigations. His team included the future Senator, Bobby Kennedy.
Describe the support McCarthy gained?
- He gained support from such diverse groups such as the American Legion and Christian fundamentalists.
- Much of his support was also derived from the less well-educated and less affluent members of society, those of whom would be more prepared to believe simplistic conspiracy theories.
What did many attack New Deal for?
They argued that its measures were Communist inspired and these now came under renewed attack - those advocating civil rights measures, support for the UN and any redistribution of wealth could all be accused of having Communist sympathies.
Describe the ridiculous proportions taken against the rise of Communism.
One school librarian in Indiana banned books about Robin Hood.
What caused McCarthy’s downfall?
His manner and accusation. Not only did he condemn such highly respected figures as General George Marshall, who had introduced Marshall Aid, but in 1954 he also began to investigate the army as hiding a possible nest of Communists.
Why was his criticism of the army a failure?
He was criticising the army for having communists during their fight against Korea - the very thing they were fighting against.
How did television cause McCarthy’s downfall?
Millions saw and turned against the bullying tactics of McCarthy, who also appeared at times to be drunk. He was generally bereft of any hard evidence to support his accusations.
What did the army’s attorney Joseph Welch do?
- He stood up to McCarthy when he accused a junior member of Welch’s team of having belonged to an organisation that he claimed had been pro-Communist, while at college.
- He accused McCarthy of attacking people without a shred of evidence in support.
What was the outcome of McCarthy?
He was censured by the Senate and returned to obscurity until his death from alcoholism in 1957. The ‘Red Scare’, which he had done so much to exaggerate, gradually died away.
