Joe McCarthy and “McCarthyism”

1. Joe McCarthy and “McCarthyism” “Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the communist party?”

2. The Red Scare (1945-1960) • After WWII America became obsessed with the idea that Communism was infiltrating our democracy—the Cold War • Joseph McCarthy, Republican Senator of Wisconsin stepped on the scene in February 1950, declaring that the State Department was knowingly harboring Communists.

3. He claimed to have a list of over 200 names, all known communists working within our political and media landscape • This incited fear: we’d been infiltrated from the inside. We were under attack. • McCarthy named head of the Government Committee on Operations in the Senate, a seat of power from which he would “investigate” anyone he wanted to of “communist tendencies”

4. McCarthyism • McCarthy encouraged an atmosphere of paranoia and fear. • His influence reached into the House of Representatives: the House Un-American Activities Committee. • “witch hunts” targeting Democrats, writers, artists, composers, actors, entertainers, directors, poets • The accused had to prove their innocence by naming other potential “Communist sympathizers” (naming names) • Once tarred a “commie” you were blacklisted

5. In all, about 320 artists were blacklisted in this manner. • Loss of career • Jail time • Some of the hearings were televised, and this fanned the flames of public anxiety and panic. This later became a phenomenon known as “McCarthyism”

6. Resistance • Some stood up to McCarthy, questioning his bullying tactics and denouncing his actions: • Edward R. Murrow led a public, televised attack on McCarthy’s hearings through his television show, See It Now • Arthur Miller wrote his play The Crucible as an allegorical critique of McCarthyism. As a result, he was hauled before the Senate Committee and accused of being a Communist. He was convicted of “Contempt of Congress” (refusing to name names)

7. Outcomes • After 4 years of tension and fear, McCarthy’s claims were largely dismissed, and he was publicly censured by the Senate. • Some artists returned to work, others faded to obscurity permanently. • Arthur Miller’s conviction was overturned a year later by the US Court of Appeals • McCarthy died 3 years later of hepatitis, worsened by his alcoholism

8. Miller says… • "Great drama is great questions or it is nothing but technique. I could not imagine a theater worth my time that did not want to change the world." — Arthur Miller • "The very impulse to write springs from an inner chaos crying for order - for meaning." — Arthur Miller