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McCarthyism: America's Dark Witch Hunts

Explore the chilling parallels between McCarthyism and the Salem Witch Trials, the Red Scare witch hunt that shook America to its core. Understand the ruthless persecution, devastating consequences, and the insidious nature of political witch hunts.

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McCarthyism: America's Dark Witch Hunts

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  1. The Witch-hunts of McCarthyism

  2. WITCH HUNT • a political campaign launched on the pretext of investigating activities subversive to the state • persecution of innocent people, based on race, gender, religious belief, political belief, etc. • (American Heritage Dictionary)

  3. Background on McCarthyism • Who is it named after? • Senator Joseph McCarthy • Republican from Wisconsin • Made a public speech on TV telling all Communist-linked individuals to be on the lookout

  4. Causes of McCarthyism • The Cold War: USA versus Russia • Anti-Communist Sentiment period of intense anti-Communist suspicion in the United States that lasted roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s • Communist Control Act of 1954 signed into law by Dwight Eisenhower, which outlawed the Communist Party of the United States and criminalized membership in, or support for, the Party.

  5. Consequences of Witch hunt • National Hysteria and Individual Loss: Thousands of Americans affected • accused of being Communists or communist sympathizers • became the subject of aggressive investigations and questioning before government or private-industry panels, committees and agencies • The primary targets of such suspicions were government employees, those in the entertainment industry, educators and union activists. • Many people suffered loss of employment, destruction of their careers, and even imprisonment.

  6. Consequences of McCarthyism Hollywood Blacklist • 1947: the committee held nine days of hearings into alleged Communist propaganda in the Hollywood motion picture industry. • After refusing to answer Congress, the "Hollywood Ten" were blacklisted by the industry. • More than 300 artists—including directors, radio commentators, actors and particularly screenwriters—were boycotted by the studios. • Only about ten percent succeeded in rebuilding careers within the entertainment industry.

  7. Consequnces of McCarthyism • Media sensationalized the hunt for Communists

  8. That he argued against freedom of speech ideas of Communism was a dangerous and un-American thing Ruining reputations No credible evidence Against him = For communism Used accusations of Communism Why McCarthyism?

  9. Comparison to Salem Witch Hunts: Look familiar? • House of Un-American Activities Committee, 1938-1975 • Salem Witch Trials, 1692

  10. How is McCarthyism connected to The Crucible by Arthur Miller? Metaphor Government’s power Arguing innocence Miller wrote the play in 1952 Miller accused in 1956

  11. Comparison to Salem Witch Hunts:The Accused Heroes • Arthur Miller, accused of Communist Ties • John Proctor, accused of Witchcraft and Lechery

  12. Venn Diagram McCarthyism Salem Witch Trials Similar Characteristics

  13. Possible way(s) for this society to have avoided McCarthyism • Government should protect citizens from wrongful accusation • National security should not be prioritized over civil liberties • The public should speak up against government abuse

  14. Research Paper • Research and compare the Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism, and another historical witch hunt in a 10-15 page typed essay. • You must use at least 5 sources, one of which must be The Crucible. • Include a title and works cited page in appropriate MLA documentation.

  15. Due Dates • Complete typed rough draft: June 4th • Final typed draft: June 11th • Be aware that we will be reading and discussing two plays, so be sure to pace your writing.

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