National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Lesson 3: The Rise and Fall of Joseph Mc Carthy
Students will learn about McCarthy's crusade against communism, from his bombshell pronouncements in 1950 to his ultimate censure and disgrace in 1954. Through an examination of documents and political cartoons they will study key points...
Digital History
Digital History: Mc Carthy and Mc Carthyism [Pdf]
Read about one of the truly black eyes in American history when Senator Joseph McCarthy was able to make false accusations against politicians and ordinary citizens alike, claiming they had communist leanings and were enemies of the...
Other
Cpsu: J. Edgar Hoover Huac Testimony
Read the testimony of J. Edgar Hoover before the House Un-American Activities Committee where he explains the destructive nature of Communists in the United States.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: United States History Since 1920: Truman Loyalty Oath, 1947
In March, 1947, President Truman issued an executive order requiring that all Federal employees take a loyalty oath swearing loyalty to the United States. This was a time of fear of Communists and the Soviet Union. Read the entire...
San Diego State University
San Diego State University: Internal Security Act of 1950 (Mc Carran Act) [Pdf]
The McCarran Act was passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the words of the act "to protect the United States against certain un-American and subversive activities by requiring registration of Communist...
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Executive Order 9835
Find the executive order from President Harry S. Truman which outlined the loyalty review program to examine the loyalty of federal employees. This was issued in response to anti-Communist hysteria at the time.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Presidency of Ronald Reagan
This site provides an extensive history of Reagan's administration including information on his presidential campaign, domestic policies, foreign policies, and domestic and international events of his presidency.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: The Legacy of Mc Carthyism
An essay addressing the ramifications of false accusations made against academics, politicians, and cultural figures during the McCarthy Era. Read about the consequences not only for the individuals but for society in general.
CNN
Cnn: The Reagan Years: Inside the White House
Part of a cnn.com in-depth special "The Reagan Years", this site provides you with brief explanations of the US in 1980, the 1980 presidential election and assorted topics of Reagan's presidency including the assassination attempt, the...
Other
U.s. Immigration Legislation: 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act
A brief description of the Immigration and Nationality Act, also known as the McCarran-Walter Act, which sought to exclude immigrants based not on their country of origin, as in the past, but moral or philosophical grounds. Included is a...
Mount Holyoke College
Soviets Say a u.s. Attack on Cuba Would Mean Nuclear War
A September 11, 1962 New York Times article relates the Soviet statement threatening nuclear war.