Study Questions
1. Apart from McCarthy’s efforts, in what ways did the American government attack communism at home and abroad? Mention specifically the activities of the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
2. In what ways did President Truman fight against domestic and international communism? What limits did he place on anti-Communist activity?
3. What were the objective reasons for American anticommunism in the postwar era? In what sense was the United States at war in 1950?
4. During the decade following World War II nearly everyone in American public life, including Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, and McCarthy himself, was accused of Communist leanings. Cite instances of these accusations and explain why they occurred.
5. Why was Eisenhower unwilling to criticize McCarthy during the 1952 presidential campaign?
6. What elements in Joe McCarthy’s character and background made him an appealing national figure?
7. How did the army hearings discredit McCarthy? Examine especially the role of Joseph Welch.
8. What was the political legacy of McCarthy’s career?
1. Apart from McCarthy’s efforts, in what ways did the American government attack communism at home and abroad? Mention specifically the activities of the president, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
2. In what ways did President Truman fight against domestic and international communism? What limits did he place on anti-Communist activity?
3. What were the objective reasons for American anticommunism in the postwar era? In what sense was the United States at war in 1950?
4. During the decade following World War II nearly everyone in American public life, including Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, and McCarthy himself, was accused of Communist leanings. Cite instances of these accusations and explain why they occurred.
5. Why was Eisenhower unwilling to criticize McCarthy during the 1952 presidential campaign?
6. What elements in Joe McCarthy’s character and background made him an appealing national figure?
7. How did the army hearings discredit McCarthy? Examine especially the role of Joseph Welch.
8. What was the political legacy of McCarthy’s career?