McCarthyism and the Red Scare

Who was Senator Joseph McCarthy, and what role did he play during the Red Scare?

• U.S. Senator who accused many of being communists, leading to widespread fear and investigations.

• A famous actor during the Cold War
• A civil rights leader advocating for peace
• A military general leading troops in World War II

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

What was the primary fear that fueled the Red Scare in the United States during the early 1950s?

• Fear of communism and its influence in the United States.
• Fear of foreign invasion
• Fear of nuclear war
• Fear of economic collapse

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

List at least three sectors (professions) that McCarthy claimed were infiltrated by Communists.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

How did McCarthy's actions affect the general public's perception of loyalty and suspicion during this period?

• McCarthy's actions heightened public suspicion to anti-communist ideology.

• McCarthy's actions led to a decrease in anti-communist sentiment.
• Public perception of loyalty remained unchanged during this period.
• McCarthy's actions increased trust in government officials.

Match the following

• accused alleged communists by a senator

• Subversion

• A period of intense fear of communism.

• McCarthyism

• Publicly declaring someone wrong or evil

• Red Scare

• Undermining the authority of a system

• Paranoia

• An irrational fear without real evidence

• Denunciation

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Examine President Eisenhower’s response to McCarthy's tactics. What strategies did Eisenhower employ to address the situation?

• Eisenhower supported McCarthy's tactics openly.
• Eisenhower distanced himself from McCarthy, promoted measured responses, and encouraged Senate investigations.
• Eisenhower called for immediate military action against McCarthy.
• Eisenhower ignored the situation entirely.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Do you think McCarthyism was justified given the context of the Cold War? Make sure to use complete sentences and proper grammar.

How can the lessons learned from the Red Scare and McCarthyism be applied to modern-day issues?

Use complete sentences and proper grammar (capitalize and periods)

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9