The Red Scare and McCarthyism

Question 1

What was the Red Scare?

Answer 1

Panic provoked by McCarthy in stating that the government is ‘infested with communists’

Question 2

What was the fault with McCarthy’s claim?

Answer 2

McCarthy had no evidence and probably had no list
-Americans still willing to believe him

Question 3

What was the influence of McCarthyism on US society?

Answer 3

McCarthy targeted individuals and accused them of communist activities
-His approach was to humiliate witnesses

Question 4

How did McCarthy’s influence on US society decline?

Answer 4

McCarthy turned his attention to the army in 1954, where his accusations were met by Welch, a Boston lawyer
-Welch destroyed McCarthy in front of 80m people with his rational and reasonable approach
-McCarthy had been revealed as a liar and a crook

Question 5

How did McCarthy influence foreign policy?

Answer 5

Shift towards ‘Asia first’ policy