McCarthyism


 * Joseph Raymond McCarthy** (November 14, 1908 – May 2, 1957) was a Republican U.S. Senator from the sta[[image:http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/hysteria/images/McCarthyism.jpg width="293" height="342" align="right"]]te of Wisconsin between 1947 and 1957. He is remembered as an anti-communist, who had accused Truman’s administration as well as the United States Army. This had brought down his popularity and support more than anyone. He had become paranoid about communism spreading to the United States like many Americans, which is known as McCarthyism. However he was a bit too extreme because as a result of his accusations many prominent figures were sent to jail and accused of being a communist. This time period was very confusing for many people. The war had just ended and the great fifties were coming down the tracks. Many people did not know what to think was going to happen. Communism was a big scare at that time because the other super power at the time (The Soviet Union) was a communist government. McArthy tried to prevent a threat that was not realistic and became paranoid.

Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of a period of extreme anti-communist suspicion inspired by the tensions of the Cold War. He ruined the reputations of many Americans, by accusing many of communist activities. Some lost their jobs and others were sent to prison because they either thought to be communist or encouraged the acts of the communists. He was going through a phase of paranoia. In the end, all the charges he put on people were found false. Hundreds of people where imprisoned because of his false accusations. Some people where even suspected based on the fact that they where homosexuals. His accusations were so powerful that thousands lost their jobs and some careers were destroyed. Famous people weren't immune to the accuations. For example, actor Charlie Chaplin, Author Langston Hughes, and Author Arthur Miller, who in his book used the Salem Witch Trails to symbolize the wrongdoings of McCarthyism, where all accused of unAmerican activities. Many people suffered loss of employment, destruction of their careers, and even imprisonment. Most of these punishments came about through trial verdicts later overturned, laws that would be declared unconstitutional. McCarthyism was supported by various associations such as the American Legions, Christian fundamentalist and also other anti-communist group. There was also support from militantly anit-communist women's, one of there groups were The Minute Women Of U.S.A. These women formed thousands of housewives into study groups and also patrotic clubs. Fortunately there were a few who were willing to stand up against the actions taken based on McCarthyism. For example comedian Mort Sahi and journalist Edward R. Murrow made criticsms against Joseph McCarthy. By 1954, McCarthyism began to die out and many people were able to return back to work.

Although McCarthyism has ended, its effects of political division are still felt during this period. Some make comparisons with the liberals and leftists during the McCarthyism period, with the accusations against Muslims and terrorists. Author Haynes Johnsons states that the U.S. government and President Bush are overreacting with the issue of terrorism, by arresting anyone who is suspected of being involved with terrorism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy