McCarthyism

Page 1: Introduction to McCarthyism

• Newcomer in Washington: A campaign poster for Senator Joe McCarthy, a Republican candidate, used in his successful 1946 Senate campaign against Howard McMurray.

• Context: This marks the beginning of McCarthy’s prominence in U.S. politics and the rise of anti-communist sentiment.

Page 2: Cartoon Analysis

• Cartoon from Washington Post (June 17, 1949): Illustrates sentiments about the Cold War era, reflecting public concern and political tensions.

Page 3: Overview of McCarthyism

• McCarthyism and the Cold War at Home: Focused on domestic implications of the Cold War, including fear and suspicion directed at perceived communists.

Page 4: The Red Scare

• Definition: A significant period of hysteria characterized by fear and anxiety regarding a supposed Soviet threat.

  • Many Americans feared communists were infiltrating societal institutions to undermine the U.S.

Page 5: Key Characteristics of McCarthyism

• Definition: Commonly synonymous with the Second Red Scare.

• Tactics: Utilized fear, suspicion, and scapegoating to undermine political ideas and damage reputations based on alleged communism.

Page 6: Causes of McCarthyism

• Post-WWI Red Scare: Set the stage for subsequent fears.

• Geopolitical Factors:

  • Soviet puppet regimes established in Eastern Europe post-WWII.

  • Soviets acquiring atomic bomb (1949).

  • Mao Zedong’s rise to power in China (1949).

  • Conviction of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg for espionage (1950).

  • Korean War stalemate (1951).

Page 7: Loyalty Review Program

• Initiated by Truman (1947): A program for background checks on federal employees conducted by the FBI.

  • Those with “questionable” activities faced dismissal or pressure to resign through the Loyalty Review Board.

Page 8: House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

• Purpose: A congressional committee aiming to identify communists, especially in Hollywood.

• Methods: Those refusing to answer questions could be designated as “Fifth Amendment Communists.”

• Government Actions: Earlier encouragement of pro-Soviet films during WWII contradicted the later stance of HUAC.

Page 9: Joe McCarthy

• Allegations: Claimed 205 communists were in the State Department, alleging betrayal.

• Quote: "When a great democracy is destroyed, it will not be because of the enemies from without, but rather because of the enemies from within." - Emphasizes his view of internal threats.

Page 10: Political Weaponization of Anti-communism

• Political Strategy: Democrats labeled as "soft on communism."

• Terminology:

  • "Reds": Open communists.

  • "Pinks": Less radical, but still dangerous individuals.

  • Criticism of FDR’s New Deal as “20 years of treason” highlighting the extreme opposition to perceived socialism.

Page 11: Decline of McCarthyism

• Lack of Evidence: No conspirators ever substantiated his claims.

• Political Decline: Support dwindled after aggressive accusations against military personnel, leading to eventual isolation.

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Page 13: The Accused

• Betrayal Under Pressure: Accusers often deflected suspicion onto others.

• Notable Accused Groups:

  • Rock & Roll musicians.

  • Teachers and University Professors.

  • Librarians and Girl Scouts.

Page 14: Impacts on Political Discourse

• Shift in Politics: Strong rightward shift in American politics, with Republican and conservative ideologies dominating.

  • Public Health Example: Opposition to free polio vaccinations due to fears of socialist implications.

• Government Funding Cuts: Notable cuts to vaccination funding by 70% due to ideological opposition.

Page 15: Impacts on Lawmaking

• Legal Consequences:

  • In Texas, Communist Party membership could lead to 20 years in prison.

  • Requirements for loyalty pledges for licenses in various states (NY fishing licenses, Indiana wrestling licenses).

Page 16: Impacts on Education

• Educational Policies:

  • Teachers and professors required loyalty oaths.

  • Emphasis on patriotic content in textbooks, along with anti-commie propaganda.

  • Banning of “un-American” books and encouragement for students to report suspicious behaviors.