1. How do you account for the appeal of McCarthyism in the United States in the era following the Second World War? Following the Second World War was an era of McCarthyism in the United States. There are many things that can account for the appeal of McCarthyism to the people at this time. For example, communism and the actions of the government enhanced the attraction of McCarthyism. For these reasons, McCarthyism was able to gain nationwide support. Joseph McCarthy used many means to convey his extreme dislike and accusations of communism.
His most effective weapon was the “big lie.” The degree of his accusations and the high status of his targets convinced thousands of some truth to them. McCarthy would have failed if not for many things. First, was the public’s extreme preoccupation and fear of the spread of communism. These worries were derived from many things. Communist advances in Eastern Europe and in China frightened the American public about the possibility of internal subversion. Also increasing American fear of communism were the reality of Soviet military power, the attack on Korea, the loss of the nuclear monopoly, and the stories about spies.
Government actions helped legitimize anticommunist feelings among Americans, who either condoned or participated in serious violations of civil liberties. The executive branch of the government had the most influence in the development of McCarthyism. It stimulated concern about national security, established main mechanisms through which the anticommunist campaign was to operate, and attempted to enlist popular support for the cold war and backing of foreign policy. All of these actions of the government greatly increased the concern with communism in the United States and can account for the nationwide appeal of McCarthyism. Assisting the government in its attempt to legitimize anticommunist feelings in the United States was the media. Extreme media coverage of Soviet military progress and the advances of communism in Eastern Europe and in China amplified McCarthy and his anticommunist message.
The Essay on The US Federal Government and state governments
The government of the United States is constantly changing. From the moment the country was born until today, there have been many eras and concepts that have transpired over the years. The United States federal government and state and local governments have gone through periods for transition from 1781 to the present day in which their relationships where continuously changing. In order to ...
Media aid can also account for McCarthyism’s appeal among Americans after the Second World War. Following the Second World War, American fear of communism, enhanced by government actions and media aid, set the stage for McCarthyism and its appeal nationwide.
