Digital History
Digital History: Anti Communism During the Early 1950's
In February 1950, Senator Joseph R. McCarthy had charged that the Department of State knowingly harbored Communists. Hearings on McCarthy's accusations were held under the chairmanship of Senator Millard Tydings of Maryland. The...
Digital History
Digital History: Kefauver Committee
In May 1950, at the very moment that Senator Joseph McCarthy was beginning his crusade against communist subversion, the U.S. Senate created a special committee to investigate another "enemy within": organized crim
Curated OER
History Matters: "Enemies From Within": Senator Joseph Mc Carthy's Accusations
Read a speech and a letter from Joseph McCarthy supporting his contention that there are Communists in the State Department.
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...
Digital History
Digital History: Alger Hiss
Secondary source information on the Trial of Alger Hiss.
Digital History
Digital History: Margaret Chase Smith: The Conscience of the Senate
Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress. She was the first woman to enter the Senate without being appointed to the position. During World War II, she was the only civilian woman to go to sea in a Navy...
Read Works
Read Works: Internal Security Act of 1950
[Free Registration/Login Required] This ReadWorks passage provides a brief history of the International Security Act of 1950. A paired passage, a passage with related content, and a questions sheet are available to help students build...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: The Modern Era
For a brief overview of the period after World War II until the present, visit this Library of Congress resource. Learn about the Cold War and the first man to walk on the moon.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 8: An Age of Confidence and Anxiety
This extensive learning module examines the United States' response to the global uncertainty and instability that followed World War II and the ways that marginalized groups challenged discrimination, and the counter-responses to their...
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: The Politics of Scholarship
This article contrasts the political versus the cultural anti-communist actions of the McCarthy Era.
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.
Other
Behind the Scenes: The Mc Carran Internal Security Act
Read about the origins and impact of the McCarran Internal Security Act which President Harry Truman called "the greatest danger to freedom of speech, press and assembly, since the Alien and Sedition Laws of 1798." Find out how a fear of...
Other
Appleton Public Library: Joseph Mc Carthy
Information on the life and work of Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957).
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Mc Carthyism
Read about the dangers of paranoia when exercised by people of power. The witch-hunting of the McCarthy era made rash and false accusations against supposed Communist sympathizers that affected many lives.
US Senate
Senate Stories: "Have You No Sense of Decency?"
Read about the abrupt downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy after the damage he did with his anti-Communist witch hunts.
Other
Biographies: Harry S. Truman
This brief, but comprehensive look at the Truman administration covers Truman's actions from the time he took office upon the death of Franklin Roosevelt to his decision not to run in the election of 1952.
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College: Mc Carthyism: Was the Threat Real?
A brief description of the hunt for spies within the United States prior to McCarthyism.
US National Archives
Nara: Prologue Magazine: Prelude to Mc Carthyism: The Making of a Blacklist
This lengthy article in the Prologue Magazine, a publication from the National Archives, details the operations of the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations, or AGLOSO, which was used in compiling information based on...
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Mc Carthy, Joseph Raymond
Part of the official biographical guide of the U.S. Congress, this page contains a brief biography of Joseph McCarthy and his political career.