Name:
Social Studies pd____
Date:
Ms. Durney
Senator Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare Argument
"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that
accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process
of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an
age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that
we are not descended from fearful men--not from men who feared to write, to speak,
to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular."
~Edward R. Murrow
“There are today many Communists in America. They are everywhere -- in
factories, offices, butcher stores, on street corners, in private businesses. And each
carries in himself the germ of death for society.”
~ J. Howard McGrath
The accepted definition of McCarthyism: a mid-20th century political attitude characterized chiefly by
opposition to elements held to be traitorous and by the use of tactics involving personal attacks on
individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations especially on the basis of
unsubstantiated charges; broadly: defamation of character or reputation through such tactics.
(Source: Merriam Webster Dictionary)
Assignment Context:
One could argue that the actions to root out Communists or Communist sympathizers in the United
States by Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Cold War Era were based on his patriotic beliefs.
Others would argue that his actions violated the civil liberties of innocent Americans.
Assignment Details:
Using two pieces of textual evidence from the activity today and one cited from the additional
websites below, take a stand and craft an argument supporting that McCarthy was justified in his
pursuit to root out suspected Communists and sympathizers or that his actions were unjust and
Unconstitutional.
1. Your typed Argument needs to have an introduction paragraph that informs the reader who
Joseph McCarthy was and summarize what the Red Scare was and ends with your claim
stating your position on the actions of Joseph McCarthy.
2. You need a body paragraph that cites two pieces of textual evidence from the class lesson
today and one piece of evidence from the additional resources provided that support your
claim.
3. A second body paragraph that acknowledges the other point of view.
4. A conclusion paragraph that re-iterates your position on McCarthy’s actions.
Additional Resources :
 History Matters Primary Sources (search “McCarthy” for
documents):http://historymatters.gmu.edu
 McCarthyism Primary Sources:
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-039/
 Edward R. Murrow – See It Now (March 9, 1954) Video Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anNEJJYLU8M&feature=related
 “He May Be a Communist”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWeZ5SKXvj8&feature=related