(The end of post-war euphoria) McCarthyism and its impact Flashcards
Outline who Joseph McCarthy was/what he did.
3
US Senator who wanted more influence.
Claimed to have a list of 250 names of Communist infiltrators in State Department, which decreased in numbers over time.
No one saw the list.
What was set up to support McCarthy’s assertions?
What came of this?
A Senate Committee
No evidence was found
Impact - what happened to those who criticised McCarthy?
Give evidence.
They were ostracised and considered unpatriotic
2 anti-Mccarthy senators lost their seats in 1950 mid-term elections.
Impact - give evidence to suggest that what McCarthy claimed resonated with the general public.
A 1950 poll showed 61% of those asked thought a teacher should be fired if they were a communist sympathiser.
What belief was McCarthy actively promoting?
2
Anti-communism
America was the greatest country in the world - subversives shouldn’t be allowed to undermine this.
Who denounced the actions of McCarthy and his supporters?
3
The Civil Liberties Union
President Truman
Democrats
Downfall - why did many turn against McCarthy?
He made accusations against the armed forces after they just finished fighting against communism in Korea.
Downfall - what was McCarthy accused of?
2
Seeking preferential treatment in the army
Bullying tactics
