Understanding the Red Scare and McCarthyism

What is the central thesis of the passage?

• The Communist Party in the U.S. government was a powerful and lasting threat.

• Joe McCarthy’s accusations were largely truthful and justified.

• The Red Scare, fueled by McCarthy and others, was a period of paranoia that had damaging effects on American society.

• The U.S. Supreme Court failed to protect American freedoms during the Cold War.

What was the author’s primary purpose in writing this text?

• To convince readers to support anti-Communist legislation.

• To inform readers about how Joe McCarthy’s actions influenced the Red Scare and American politics.

• To analyze the effectiveness of Cold War foreign policy.

• To argue for the reinstatement of the Hollywood Ten.

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Which piece of evidence supports the idea that McCarthy exaggerated the Communist threat?

• McCarthy's list of 205 spies was confirmed by the FBI.

• American Communists were organizing protests and demanding reform.

• McCarthy repeatedly changed the number of alleged Communists in the State Department.

• The House Un-American Activities Committee questioned members of Congress.

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What evidence is used to show that fear of Communism extended beyond McCarthy himself?

• All three branches of government took part in anti-Communist efforts.

• Hollywood voluntarily removed Communists from film scripts.

• McCarthy personally arrested suspected Communists.

• Only the press believed McCarthy’s accusations.

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Which best describes how the passage portrays American Communists of the 1930s and 1940s?

• As loyal Soviet agents working against U.S. interests.

• As spies with deep knowledge of Soviet policies.

• As politically active individuals often unaware of Soviet wrongdoing.

• As violent revolutionaries attempting to overthrow the U.S. government.

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Why did McCarthy’s Wheeling speech gain unexpected attention?

• It was nationally broadcast live on television.

• He revealed classified government documents.

• The Republican Party promoted it as a major event.

• His claims of Communist infiltration shocked the public and media.

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What rhetorical strategy did McCarthy use to gain support, according to Larry Tye?

• Logical appeals supported by hard evidence.

• A calm and balanced tone.

• Legal arguments supported by court rulings.

• Emotional appeals that exploited fear and paranoia.

Which of the following best explains the author's perspective on the Red Scare?

• It was a necessary reaction to a serious internal threat.

• It was primarily driven by McCarthy alone.

• It was a widespread political phenomenon that damaged civil liberties.

• It was a short-lived political scandal with few long-term effects.

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What evidence is provided to show that silence could be used against the accused during Red Scare hearings?

• Witnesses were denied legal counsel.

• HUAC only questioned known Communists.

• Suspects were not allowed to testify.

• Refusal to speak or pleading the Fifth could result in punishment.

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What does the inclusion of quotes from historians like Ellen Schrecker and Larry Tye suggest about the author’s purpose?

• To lend credibility and depth to the historical analysis.

• To promote specific political views.

• To make the piece more conversational and informal.

• To present only one side of the story.

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