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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- The Red Scare of 1919-20
- The ‘little red scare' of the thirties
- The Aftermath of the 2nd World War
- McCarthy and his Success
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte
This essay aims to analyze the historical context and factors contributing to the so-called 'Red Scare' in the United States, particularly focusing on the role of Joseph McCarthy. It will examine the origins of anti-Communist sentiment in the early 20th century, its resurgence during the New Deal era, and its intensification in the post-World War II period. The essay will explore the events and individuals that fueled the Red Scare, including the Palmer Raids, the House on Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), and the Alger Hiss case. It will also consider the impact of the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Soviet Union's development of the atomic bomb on public anxieties about Communism.
- The origins and evolution of anti-Communist sentiment in the United States
- The role of conservative organizations and politicians in promoting anti-Communist hysteria
- The impact of the Cold War and the Korean War on the Red Scare
- The significance of the Alger Hiss case and the Klaus Fuchs confession
- The relationship between McCarthyism and the broader context of the Red Scare
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel
The essay begins by examining the Red Scare of 1919-20, highlighting the role of conservative organizations, the press, and Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer in promoting anti-Communist fear. It emphasizes the legacy of this period, including the anti-Communist laws and the reinforcement of anti-Communist myths and stereotypes. The essay then explores the 'little red scare' of the 1930s, focusing on the revival of anti-Communist sentiment in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs and the establishment of the House on Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). It notes that this period saw the introduction of several anti-Communist laws, including the Smith Act of 1940. The essay then shifts to the aftermath of World War II, analyzing the emergence of the Cold War, the 'loss' of China to Communism, and the Soviet Union's development of the atomic bomb as key factors in intensifying anti-Communist anxieties. It also examines the impact of the Korean War and the Alger Hiss case on public opinion. The essay concludes by exploring the relationship between McCarthyism and the broader context of the Red Scare, arguing that while McCarthy played a significant role in exacerbating anti-Communist hysteria, he was also a product of the existing political and social climate.
Schlüsselwörter
The key words and focus themes of the text include the Red Scare, McCarthyism, anti-Communism, Cold War, Korean War, conservative politics, the Palmer Raids, the House on Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), the Alger Hiss case, and the Klaus Fuchs confession. The essay explores the historical context and factors contributing to the Red Scare, examining the origins, evolution, and intensification of anti-Communist sentiment in the United States. It analyzes the role of key individuals and events in shaping public opinion and political discourse during this period.
- Citar trabajo
- Patricia Schneider (Autor), 2010, The so-called ‘Red Scare’ as McCarthyism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278160
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