McCarthy Era
Definition
The McCarthy Era refers to the period of intense anti-communist suspicion in the United States from the late 1940s to the late 1950s when Senator Joseph McCarthy's investigations were most active.
Analogy
Think of the McCarthy Era like a long winter where everyone is constantly on edge because they're afraid of slipping on ice (being accused of communism). Even if there's no ice around, the fear itself changes how people behave.
Related terms
Loyalty Oaths: Sworn declarations by individuals affirming their loyalty to a government and its values, often used during the McCarthy era to weed out suspected communists.
Hollywood Ten: A group of writers and directors who were cited for contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with HUAC's investigation into Communist influence in Hollywood.
Alger Hiss Case: A case involving a former State Department official who was accused of being a Soviet spy in 1948 and convicted of perjury related to this charge in 1950. This case helped fuel fears about communist infiltration in U.S. government.
"McCarthy Era" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.