Name: __________________________________________ Period: _________
McCarthyism and The Crucible: Political Cartoons Activity
Directions: Read the information from the Library of Congress next to each of the cartoons in this packet.
Then, spend a few minutes analyzing the cartoon. Respond to the questions at the bottom of each page.
In the aftermath of World War II, relations
between the United States and the Soviet Union
deteriorated, as the Russians imposed
Communist control over much of Eastern Europe,
and China was on the verge of going communist.
People worried that Communists might try to
overthrow schools, labor unions, and other
institutions. Government agencies and private
groups began to look for evidence of traitorous
activity. In this climate of fear and suspicion, the
House Committee on Un-American Activities
became active. In 1950, a senator from
Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, seeking political
gain, began a well-publicized campaign using
smear tactics, and bullying to identify and get rid
of Communists in the government.
Block, Herbert. “It’s okay – we’re hunting Communists,”
October 31, 1947. Ink, graphite, and opaque white over
graphite under drawing on layered paper. Published in The
Washington Post.
1. What is being depicted in the above cartoon?
2. What message is the cartoonist, Herb Block, suggesting through this cartoon?
3. How does this relate to The Crucible? Where is this idea seen in the play?
Name: __________________________________________ Period: _________
During this period, anti-Communist sentiment
was extremely high, and people were
frightened. As a result, McCarthy began to
increase his “witch-hunt.” In doing so, nearly
anything people did could be interpreted as
un-American. Hundreds of school teachers
and people in the film and arts industries lost
their jobs, as a result of being named by “antisubversive” groups and individuals.
Block, Herbert. “You read books, eh?” April 24, 1949.
Ink, graphite, and opaque white over graphite under
drawing on layered paper. Published in The Washington
Post.
1. What is being depicted in the above cartoon?
2. What message is the cartoonist, Herb Block, suggesting through this cartoon?
3. How does this relate to The Crucible? Where is this idea seen in the play?
Name: __________________________________________ Period: _________
This sketch, made on May 8, 1950,
depicts an impassioned Joe McCarthy
making a speech before the House of
Un-American Activities Committee. Two
men, who are about to enter the
committee meeting, are hauling some
“new and important evidence” that
links a man to the American Communist
Party.
The name Joe Zilch is another way of
saying Average Joe.
Block, Herbert. “We now have new and
important evidence,” May 8, 1950. Ink, graphite,
and opaque white over graphite under drawing
on layered paper. Published in The Washington
Post.
1. What is being depicted in the above cartoon?
2. What message is the cartoonist, Herb Block, suggesting through this cartoon?
3. How does this relate to The Crucible? Where is this idea seen in the play?
Name: __________________________________________ Period: _________
By 1949, the Soviets had expanded
their control to cover most of Eastern
Europe, and it appeared that China
would soon fall to the communists as
well. “The fear-filled forties and fifties
were a dark period when the spread of
communism abroad increased
anxieties and frustration at home,”
wrote Herb Block. In their zeal to
stamp out all signs of subversion in the
United States, professional and
amateur anti-communists threatened
to suppress American liberties as well.
Block, Herbert. “Fire!” June 17, 1949.
Reproduction from original drawing. Published
in The Washington Post.
1. What is being depicted in the above cartoon?
2. What message is the cartoonist, Herb Block, suggesting through this cartoon?
3. How does this relate to The Crucible? Where is this idea seen in the play?