Senator Joseph Mc Carthy Its History Joe Mc

Senator Joseph Mc. Carthy “It’s History” – Joe Mc. Carthy https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=RGsnolp. Hr 0 A

Mc. Carthy Launches His “Witch Hunt” Mc. Carthy’s Tactics • Senator Joseph Mc. Carthy was a fanatical anti-Communist activist • Ineffective legislator; needs issue to win reelection • Mc. Carthyism—attacking suspected Communists without evidence Targets gay members of the military, “Lavender Scare” • Mc. Carthy claims Communists in State Department • Few Republicans speak out; think he has winning strategy for 1952

https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=RGsnolp. Hr 0 A Mc. Carthy Launches His “Witch Hunt” (cont’d) Mc. Carthy’s Downfall • 1954, Mc. Carthy accuses members of U. S. Army • Televised hearings show him bullying witnesses • Loses public support; Senate condemns him for improper conduct Other Anti-Communist Measures • States, towns forbid speech favoring violent overthrow of government • Millions forced to take loyalty oaths, are investigated • People become afraid to speak out on public issues

The Cold War at Home Discussion Questions: 1) If you had lived in this period and had been accused of being a Communist, what would you have done? Think About: • the Hollywood Ten • the Rosenbergs 2) Discuss any inconsistencies you notice between what are traditionally considered to be “American values” and the treatment of American civilians during the early Cold War. 3) What similarities or connections can you make between the “Red Scare/Mc. Carthy” era and other periods/events in U. S. history?