WWII was a major historical event that shaped the United States and struck fear into its citizens. Soon following the end of WWII a new fear of the unknown began to develop within Americans which caused nationwide anxiety and panic. Many believed communism might be the next threat to challenge the United States. The growing sentiments of Senator Joseph McCarthy lead out to protect America’s freedom from communism, although his sweeping lash stripped freedoms from many of his fellow citizens. Strange as it may seem, in this period of American history both communism and McCarthyism threatened America; fear fueled the fire to a Red Scare glow before its flame would dwindle and smolder. In order to better understand these events, a more detailed look into history is needed to explain how this controversy and cultural phenomenon came to be.
Understanding the Differences
Is there a difference between anti-communism and McCarthyism? Despite the common belief that these two terms have the same meaning, there are indeed fundamental differences. Anti-communism can be understood as a set of beliefs, social values, or political opinions that a communist form of government is unacceptable and wrong. McCarthyism, on the other hand, was suspicious and it unfairly accused American citizens of being a communist. Lead by and named affectionately after Senator Joseph McCarthy, McCarthyism and its accusations violated American civil rights, destroyed reputations, caused employers to "blacklist" and created an era of distrust in the United States well into the late 1950's.
Media Perspectives
The term McCarthyism was coined by Herbert Block who first displayed it in a Washington Post cartoon, March 29, 1950. On June 18, 1950, the New York Times reported, “McCarthy, even allowing for the old fact that charges run a faster race than denials, has shown an unexpected tactical skill in keeping ahead of his antagonists in publicity, and thus in the public eye.” The media’s perspective toward Joseph McCarthy and his consequent “ism” often discredited the validity of his extreme views; the popular media of the day responded to McCarthyism disagreeably if not in out right opposition. Some media sources even laid cause to blame McCarthyism for bringing more attention to communism than there otherwise would have been. President Truman called for an American reality check as reported by the New York Times August 15, 1951. Truman proclaimed, “Rise up and put a stop—to character assassins and scandalmongers, some of them in congress—who are trying to divide us and confuse us and tear up the Bill of Rights.”
Foreign Policy and Anti-communism The biggest examples of communism’s impact on U.S foreign policy are perhaps America's wars with North Korea and North Vietnam. Both of these countries tried to impose communism on their southern parts by attempting to take them over by force. The Truman Doctrine was the first highlight of post war anti-communist policy at work. Truman went to congress asking that aid be sent to Greece to support their fight again communist forces. Additionally, when America adopted the Marshall Plan by funneling billions into post WWII Western Europe, America was trying to prevent these war ravaged countries from falling prey to the Soviets. It was believed by many that Russia might swoop in and rebuild Europe with the bricks of communism unless the U.S. offered the aid first.
The Big Red Scare The “Red Scare” developed out of post WWI unrest and the extreme hardships with the loss of the war industry which left millions suddenly unemployed. A nationwide fear of communists, socialists, anarchists, and other dissidents gained foothold in 1919 following a series of anarchist bombings. However, as quickly as it started, the Red Scare ended abruptly in 1920. Short-lived as it was, the Red Scare left an impression deep in psyche of the American mind. The Red Scare was a mindset of fear and paranoia that seeped into the hearts of the American people as well as the American government. Perhaps, if not for this mindset of fear, fear of the unknown, numerous wars might have been averted, countless lives might have been preserved, and nuclear holocaust might be less a reality today. We may never know, but it is tantalizing to consider, was the Red Scare of 1919 the reason for the Cold War? The connections are considerable; however, it might be easier to connect them to McCarthyism.