Joseph McCarthy
“The Man behind the Man”
Witch Hunt
• “Witch hunt”- refers to any search for a
scapegoat who can be blamed for all the
ills of society and whose removal will
eliminate the problems.
McCarthyism
• McCarthyism- policy or practice of
publicly accusing in a reckless manner,
suspected individuals or groups of political
disloyalty and subversion.
Are you a Subversive?
• Subversives- Those who engage in a
systematic attempt to overthrow or
undermine a government or political
system by working secretly from within.
(For almost two years the struggle went on
between president and senator over the
proper way a democracy should handle
so-called subversives.)
Are you a Demagogue?
• Demagogue- A
leader who makes
use of popular
prejudices and false
claims and promises
in order to gain
power.
(McCarthy was a
demagogue.)
Enough is Enough…
• Censure- To find
fault with and
criticize as
blameworthy.
(In late 1954, the
Senate censured
McCarthy.)
Communism!!!
• Communism is the abolition of power of
people over people, where the
government holds all assets. Communism
is based on mutual cooperation, peace
and justice.
McCarthyism…
• Feb. 1950, “compiled” a list of 57 people in state
department that were members of American
Communist party.
• Some had been communists but others had
been fascists, alcoholics and sexual deviants.
As it happens, if McCarthy had been
screened, his own drinking problems and
sexual escapades would have resulted in him
being put on the list.
McCarthy’s Downfall…
• In 1954, he made accusations against the
US Army
• Resulted in a nationally televised Senate
investigation
• Censured by Senate in 1954.
His Legacy…
• In defense of
McCarthy…
He was Right!!!
• However, he could
never actually prove
that subversives were
infiltrating the
government!!!