McCarthyism and the HUAC

The transcript details the rise and fall of Senator Joseph McCarthy, known for his anti-communist crusade during the Red Scare. McCarthy's tactics included slander and accusations, impacting many individuals and industries. His influence waned after the Army-McCarthy hearings exposed his aggressive demeanor, leading to his censure by the Senate. The transcript also covers the role of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in investigating alleged communist activities, its impact on Hollywood, and its eventual decline.

What was Joseph McCarthy's primary goal in using devious tactics during his political career?

• To improve the economy

• To promote communism

• To gain power and significance

• To support civil rights

In his Wheeling speech, how many communists did McCarthy initially claim were in the State Department?

• 205

• 57

• 300

• 150

Which university professor did McCarthy accuse of being the number one Soviet spy in America?

• Robert Oppenheimer

• John Nash

• Albert Einstein

• Owen Lattimore

What was the outcome for Julius and Ethel Rosenberg after being accused by McCarthy?

• They were sentenced to life imprisonment

• They fled the country

• They were sentenced to the electric chair

• They were acquitted

What was the result of the Army-McCarthy hearings for McCarthy's political career?

• His political power ended

• He was promoted

• He gained more power

• He was re-elected

What phrase became a national cliché due to McCarthy's behavior during the hearings?

• Silence in the gallery

• Order in the court

• Point of order

• Motion to adjourn

Who introduced a resolution to remove McCarthy from the Senate?

• Robert M. Lafet Jr.

• Joseph Welch

• William Benton

• Edgar Verner

What was the official purpose of the HUAC when it was formed in 1938?

• To promote American cinema

• To investigate communist and fascist organizations

• To support civil rights movements

• To improve the economy

What happened to individuals who refused to cooperate with the HUAC?

• They were promoted

• They were blacklisted

• They were given awards

• They were ignored

What was the fate of the HUAC by the late 1950s?

• It focused on economic issues

• It became more powerful

• It was renamed and eventually dissolved

• It expanded its operations