McCarthyism

1. McCarthyism Republican Senator from Wisconsin; claimed we had a huge problem with communism – “it has infiltrated every levels of gov.” Gained popularity as he headed HUAC and bullied and berated suspected commies on national T.V.

2. McCarthyism (cont.) Became one of most feared and powerful men in Washington. He used this as a tool to hurt Democratic Party also. Accused them of being “soft on communism”. “Your choice is communism or republicanism.”

3. McCarthyism (cont.) The hysteria was fed by real-world events: 1949 – China becomes commie state – Soviets test their first A-bomb – Alger Hiss convicted of passing classified docs. to Soviets

4. Anti-Communist Sentiment in American Society Anti-commie paranoia leaves serious impact - political scene moves decidedly to the right - “social welfare” is seriously questioned - laws made Comm. Party membership illegal

5. Anti-Communist Sentiment (cont.) - loyalty oaths were required to teachers - textbooks were riddled with anti-commie propaganda - “Un-American” books were banned and removed from library shelves

6. Anti-Communist Sentiment (cont.) The film industry was one of McCarthy’s primary targets - writers, producers, actors faced the brutal questioning from HUAC. - many blacklisted and careers ruined. - Anti-commie films were churned out by studios

7. The End of McCarthyism His big conspiracy was never proven – not a single conspirator was found! He started attacking the U.S. Army, Congress members, and even Pres. Eisenhower Congress voted to censure him. He died 3 years later of liver failure

8. The End of McCarthyism (cont.) Ironically, communism was never a problem in the U.S. - 1946 = 45 thousand members - after all this craziness, membership dwindled to fewer than 5,000 members (most of whom were FBI informants)

9. Lessons learned? • Fear / ignorance / suspicion leads to civil rights being ignored.