The Cold War At Home McCarthyism/Red Scare

Cold War At Home McCarthyism & the Red Scare

​

Essential Questions

What actions do the U.S. government take to fight Communism?

What was McCarthyism and were the effects of McCarthyism?

Cold War Dominated American Way of Life

Starting in the 1940s the Cold War dominated American way of life. Hunting down Communists as spies disrupted the daily life of innocent Americans. Ian atmosphere charged with paranoia and anxiety, there was deep fear at home about “enemies within” sabotaging U.S. foreign policy and passing atomic secrets to the Soviets.

Open Ended

How does fear lead to new leadership rising?

Poll

At the speaking event, McCarthy announced there were 205 Communists in the state department. Do you think his speech caught Americans' attention?

• Absolutely

• Not headline worthy

Multiple Choice

What is McCarthyism?

• Extreme reckless charges of politicians, ranking officers, etc enacting Communism

• Accurate charges of Communists living the U.S. working as high ranking officers, politicians, etc .

The Red Scare

• The fear that Communists both outside and inside America were working to destroy American life create a reaction known as the Red Scare.

Poll

Do you think Ethel would have been considered guilty in present day too?

• Guilty

• Not Guilty

Congress Hunt Communists

The House of Un-American Activities Committee HUAC investigates possible activities by fascists, Nazis, or Communists that undermine the Democratic institution.

McCarthy Condemned

McCarthy recklessly accused government and military leaders, enough was enough. Although McCarthy was silenced, Americans were were advantagious about protecting their Democratic institution.