February 9, 1950, Wheeling, West Virginia: Joseph R. McCarthy, senator of Wisconsin, gives a speech at a meeting of the Republican Women’s Club, claiming that he owns a list of 205 names of members of the Communist party who are employed in the State Department. Although the number of the names changes with the place where the speech is given, the press is electrified by his claims and the senator soon personifies American anti-Communism.
In order to explain the circumstances under which it was possible to persecute and harass American citizens in the way McCarthy did after his speech had been successful, a closer look at the decades previous to McCarthy’s appearance is necessary.
Therefore, this essay will first focus on the Red Scare of 1919-20, since it can serve ‘both as an analogy and a legacy’ for the events to come. Afterwards the ‘little red scare’ of the thirties will be examined, since anti-Communist sentiments aroused again under Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal programme. During the ‘little red scare’, anti-Communism was rather a domestic issue. Therefore, it could easily be ended by the 2nd World War, since foreign affairs dominated American politics then. However, the following section will focus on the aftermath of the 2nd World War, since several events in America’s foreign policy transferred the anti-Communist sentiments to being international concerns. Thus, the years directly preceding McCarthy’s speech will be examined in detail. Particular attention will be paid to McCarthy himself and the reasons for his success. Finally, the essay will conclude by answering the question whether or not it is accurate to describe the so-called ‘Red Scare’ as McCarthyism.
Table of Contents
- The Red Scare of 1919-20
- The Little Red Scare of the 1930s
- The Post-World War II Red Scare
- McCarthy and the Reasons for His Success
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the circumstances surrounding the rise of McCarthyism and the "Red Scare," examining whether the term "McCarthyism" accurately describes the period's anti-communist fervor. It explores the historical context leading up to McCarthy's prominence, focusing on preceding waves of anti-communist sentiment and the factors that intensified them.
- The historical development of anti-communist sentiment in the United States.
- The role of conservative political actors and organizations in fueling the Red Scares.
- The influence of media and public perception on the spread of anti-communist anxieties.
- The impact of significant political events (e.g., World Wars, Cold War) on the intensity of anti-communist sentiment.
- The extent to which McCarthy's actions were a reflection of pre-existing societal and political conditions.
Chapter Summaries
The Red Scare of 1919-20: This chapter analyzes the first Red Scare, highlighting the confluence of factors contributing to its rise, including World War I's atmosphere, the Bolshevik revolution, the formation of the American Communist Party, and widespread labor unrest. Conservative patriotic organizations like the American Protective League and the American Defense Society played a crucial role in inflaming anti-communist sentiments through campaigns promoting "100 percent Americanism." Sensationalist reporting further fueled public anxieties. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer's actions, based on his belief in an imminent communist overthrow, led to the Palmer Raids, despite a lack of evidence. While the Red Scare eventually subsided, it left a legacy of anti-communist laws and reinforced societal stereotypes, paving the way for future exploitation.
The Little Red Scare of the 1930s: This section examines the resurgence of anti-communist feelings during the 1930s, primarily as a tactic employed by conservative opponents of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs. Anti-communism served as a tool to attack the reforms. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), established in 1938, developed techniques later associated with McCarthy. The passage of anti-communist laws, such as the Smith Act of 1940, further solidified this era's anti-communist stance. However, the "little red scare" was ultimately overshadowed by World War II, as the Soviet Union became an ally.
The Post-World War II Red Scare: This chapter explores the post-World War II resurgence of anti-communist sentiment, focusing on its transformation from a domestic to an international concern. The emergence of the Cold War, the "loss" of China to communism, and the Soviet Union's detonation of its first atomic bomb significantly heightened public anxieties. The Korean War further escalated tensions. The Alger Hiss case, involving accusations of Soviet espionage, provided Republicans with a tool to implicate Democrats in communist conspiracies, despite later evidence challenging Hiss's guilt. Klaus Fuchs's confession to passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union further intensified the anti-communist fervor, culminating in a full-scale Red Scare by the summer of 1950.
Keywords
McCarthyism, Red Scare, anti-communism, Cold War, political repression, conservative politics, media influence, public opinion, espionage, HUAC, Palmer Raids, Alger Hiss case, Klaus Fuchs.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on McCarthyism and the Red Scare
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of McCarthyism and the various "Red Scares" in the United States, analyzing their historical context, key figures, and lasting impact. It examines the periods of 1919-1920, the 1930s, and the post-World War II era, highlighting the factors that fueled anti-communist sentiment and the role of political actors, media, and public perception.
What time periods are covered in the analysis of the Red Scare?
The document covers three distinct periods: the Red Scare of 1919-1920, the "Little Red Scare" of the 1930s, and the Post-World War II Red Scare. Each period is analyzed separately, highlighting its unique context and characteristics.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include the historical development of anti-communist sentiment in the United States; the role of conservative political actors and organizations; the influence of media and public perception; the impact of significant political events (World Wars, Cold War); and the extent to which McCarthy's actions reflected pre-existing societal and political conditions.
What are the main events discussed in each chapter?
The Red Scare of 1919-20: This chapter focuses on the Palmer Raids, the role of organizations like the American Protective League, and the impact of World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution. The Little Red Scare of the 1930s: This section examines the use of anti-communism against the New Deal and the activities of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). The Post-World War II Red Scare: This chapter covers the Cold War, the Alger Hiss case, Klaus Fuchs's confession, and the escalation of anti-communist fervor.
Who were some of the key figures mentioned in the document?
Key figures include Senator Joseph McCarthy, Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer, and individuals involved in significant cases like Alger Hiss and Klaus Fuchs. The document also highlights the role of conservative political organizations and media outlets in shaping public opinion.
What is the purpose or objective of this essay?
The essay aims to analyze the circumstances surrounding the rise of McCarthyism and the "Red Scare," examining whether the term "McCarthyism" accurately describes the period's anti-communist fervor. It explores the historical context leading up to McCarthy's prominence, focusing on preceding waves of anti-communist sentiment and the factors that intensified them.
What are the key terms or keywords associated with this topic?
Key terms include McCarthyism, Red Scare, anti-communism, Cold War, political repression, conservative politics, media influence, public opinion, espionage, HUAC, Palmer Raids, Alger Hiss case, and Klaus Fuchs.
What is the intended audience for this document?
The intended audience is primarily academic, for the purpose of analyzing themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Patricia Schneider (Author), 2010, The so-called ‘Red Scare’ as McCarthyism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278160
