McCarthyism and The Crucible

Post-World War II Tensions and the Cold War

After World War II, relationships between America and Russia became strained due to opposing ideologies: capitalism versus communism.
Both countries sought to expand their political influence in Europe and the Third World.
The Cold War began in 1947, marking the start of a period where the two superpowers viewed each other as enemies.

In America, individuals with socialist or communist leanings were considered traitors.
The persecution of leftists, termed McCarthyism, started with the Attorney-General's List in 1947 by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC).
This list identified individuals tied to subversive or communist organizations and later evolved into the Black List.
Thousands were barred from working in their professions due to the Black List.
HUAC hearings investigated charges of "Un-Americanism,"
These hearings often caused more damage than the McCarthy hearings.

The Chinese Revolution, the Soviet Union's first atomic bomb, and the Korean War fueled anti-communist feelings in 1950.
Senator Joseph McCarthy accused the Democratic government of fostering communism in America for 20 years.
Senate hearings led to the persecution of leftists.
During the Spanish Civil War and World War II, many had collaborated with socialists and leftists to combat fascism.
Moderate liberals described the anti-communist hysteria as a witch hunt.
Miller's notes in The Crucible: "…any man who is not reactionary in his views is open to the charge of 'alliance with the Red hell'….a political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence."

Witnesses were asked about dealings with communists.
Refusal to answer could lead to arrest.
Denial of charges required proving innocence by naming others with communist connections.
Confessing to leftist associations required showing reform by identifying others involved.
Those named were then summoned as new witnesses.
Few witnesses stood up to the committees, and many gave names of friends and colleagues associated with leftist causes.
Some repeated rumors or lied to protect their careers.

The McCarthy hearings targeted the arts in America.
Between 1950 and 1954, artists and intellectuals, including Dashiell Hammett and the "Hollywood Ten," were imprisoned for refusing to testify.
Thousands of writers, musicians, actors, and directors were blacklisted and forbidden to work.
Some left the country, changed professions, or changed their names.
Some resumed careers when the blacklist was lifted in the 1960s, but the damage was permanent for many.

McCarthy's power declined as purges of the government and the arts became repetitive.
McCarthy made increasingly wild accusations, claiming the American army was disloyal and powerful generals were traitors.
The public became skeptical of McCarthy's charges and demanded the truth.
Public opposition grew as well-known witnesses, like Arthur Miller, challenged the authority of HUAC and McCarthy hearings.

The Crucible was first performed in January 1953.
The play drew parallels between the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy and HUAC hearings.
Due process of law was abandoned, and hysteria spread through lies and rumors.
Witnesses were trapped into dishonest confessions and forced to falsely accuse friends and neighbors.
Opponents of the hearings were accused of working for the Red devil.
In Washington, as in Salem, innocent people suffered.
Miller: "One can only pity them all, just as we will be pitied someday."

The Salem witch hunt and the McCarthy era are history.
Miller points out that "the balance has yet to be struck between order and freedom".
Every age and society has its repressions.
Individuals with courage and integrity will challenge governments that distort the truth.
The choice between freedom and repression is always relevant.

Which two powers were in opposition during the Cold War?
Who did Senator Joseph McCarthy and his hearings charge with "Un-American" activity?
- a) When would a witness be arrested?
- b) When would a witness be asked to name others who had communist connections?
Which group of people were especially targeted and blacklisted?
State several similarities between Miller's The Crucible and the McCarthy hearings.
In the 1960's McCarthy's power collapsed. State one or two reasons why.