What is mccarthyism for kids

Supporters of McCarthyism have argued that McCarthy's intentions were good and that, before the worst of his anticommunist campaign, he acted in good faith against what he truly believed was a malicious communist conspiracy within the government, and an effort to cover it up. Recently declassified Soviet-era documents have, in fact, confirmed that Soviet spies had infiltrated the U. State Department in the s and s. Dwight Eisenhower , a candidate for the presidency in the election , disagreed with McCarthy's tactics, but on one occasion was required to make a campaign stop with him in Wisconsin.

There, he intended to make a comment denouncing McCarthy's agenda, but under the advice of a conservative colleague, cut that part from his speech. He was widely criticized during his campaign for "selling out" to pressure and giving up his personal convictions because of party pressures. After being elected president, he made it clear to those close to him that he did not approve of McCarthy or his proceedings and he worked actively to shut down his operation.

McCarthyism faltered in as his hearings were televised live for the first time on the new American Broadcasting Company. ABC needed to fill its afternoon slots, which allowed the public and press to view first-hand McCarthy's interrogation of individuals and controversial tactics. During the trials, he was famously asked "Have you no sense of decency? From the viewpoint of some conservatives and McCarthy supporters at the time, the suppression of "radical organizations" was necessary.

Senator McCarthy and his followers felt there was a dangerous subversive element that posed a danger to the security of the country, thereby justifying extreme, possibly illegal measures—the embodiment of realpolitik. McCarthyism destroyed many careers, including those of entertainment professionals such as writers, directors, producers, actors, actresses, and others in Hollywood, who were 'blacklisted' as a result of the unfounded accusations.

Ten men in Hollywood who had been subpoenaed to testify as to their possible unfounded involvement in Communism chose to cite the First Amendment's guarantee of the right to free assembly and free speech instead of answering the question "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party of the United States? Eight men were sentenced to six months and two received a year in jail for being in Contempt of Congress.

The Hollywood Blacklist was never publicly acknowledged but many lost their jobs for being included on the list. McCarthyism led to more than government employees losing their jobs. President Dwight Eisenhower did not agree with Joseph McCarthy's ideas or methods of dealing with the perceived Communist threat.

People of all walks of life in the United States were afraid to stand up to Joseph McCarthy as they feared that they too would be accused of being a Communist. He was in an ideal position to use his power to exploit the rising fear of Communism. McCarthyism Facts - For the next two years Joseph McCarthy was constantly in the spotlight using theatrics and sensational accusations that drew the attention of the newspapers and television.

He began a 'reign of terror', referred to as the "Communist Witch Hunt", investigating various government departments, badgering and questioning countless witnesses about their suspected communist affiliations. McCarthyism Facts - McCarthy made the truly terrifying move of targeting 'anti-American books' in libraries. His researchers investigated the Overseas Library Program and discovered 30, books by "communists, pro-communists, former Communists and anti anti-communists.

McCarthyism Facts - Senator Joseph McCarthy's persecution of innocent persons on the charge of being communists, together with his irresponsible tactics of damaging reputations of Americans with vague and unfounded charges, became known as McCarthyism. McCarthyism Facts - McCarthy was a bully and the power of Senator Joseph McCarthy was so great that people were afraid to challenge him for fear of becoming targets themselves.

McCarthyism Facts - His smear campaigns, dirty tactics and unfounded accusations left a cloud of suspicion over anyone who was accused, which was often interpreted as guilt.

McCarthyism Facts - Senator Joseph McCarthy believed himself to be invincible and in he turned his attentions to communist infiltration in the military. Eisenhower was absolutely furious with McCarthy. The United States Army were alerted to McCarthy's intentions and, before he could act, mounted their own internal investigation. No evidence of spies or espionage was found.

McCarthyism Facts - McCarthy was enraged at the army's denial and in the spring of took his investigation to a sensational, nationally televised program, referred to as the Army-McCarthy Hearings.

Army officers and civilian officials were grilled on Communist subversion, defended by the army lawyer Joseph Nye Welch. McCarthy tried to discredit Joseph Nye Welch by accusing Fred Fisher, a junior attorney at Welch's law firm, of having past associations with a Communist organization. McCarthyism Facts - His tactics prompted Joseph Nye Welch to explode at McCarthy for naming the young man before a massive television audience without prior warning or previous agreement to do so.

Joseph Nye Welch said "Until this moment, Senator, I think I have never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir?

At long last, have you left no sense of decency? McCarthyism Facts - The next day the newspaper headlines shrieked "Have you no sense of decency? Welch had attacked the bully McCarthy who was shown for the type of man he was and lost his power to arouse fear and suspicion. McCarthyism Facts - On December 2, , the US Senate voted 67—22 to censure Senator Joseph McCarthy for conduct "contrary to Senate traditions", effectively wiping out his realm of influence, although not expelling him from office.

He turned to alcohol and died at the age of 48 years old before he had completed his second term in office. He will be forever remembered in US history for McCarthyism.