What’s with the Second Red Scare?
The Second Red Scare was a period during the Cold War in the United States’ History where the looming threat of communism was the biggest threat of democracy. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy was one of the leading voices in trying to beat the threat of communism. McCarthy was one of the factors that sparked a national movement of skepticism that built foundation of the Second Red Scare. During the Cold War, there was a lot of growing tension between people due to the skepticism of communism, especially in the United States’ Government. Due to Senator McCarthy’s accusations, there was a term The documents shown above are results of the paranoia and skepticism the Second Red Scare created.
Read each of the documents and answer the questions below:
- Based on the documents, do you believe that McCarthy was able to convince others that Communism was in the United States? How and why/why not?
2. Do you believe that Frank Capra’s letter was a result from McCarthy’s accusations? Why or why not?
3. How do you think those in opposition of McCarthy’s claims further sparked tension in the United States?
4. Do you believe that McCarthy’s accusations are similar to events that have happened/events happening in the United States right now?
5. How do you think the public perceived the tension happening in the United States’ government?
