Why did Senator Joseph McCarthy have such a big impact on American politics and society in the 1950s?

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Why did Senator Joseph McCarthy have such a big impact on American politics and society in the 1950’s?

There was such a fear of Communism in the USA before McCarthy became famous in 1950 because of the ‘Red Scare’ which was the name given to the widespread fear of Communism that swept across America in the late 1940’s and 50’s. The Americans feared Communism as it had already spread to Russia, East Europe, South East Asia and even China which was a big country. They then began to think ‘What was to stop America from becoming Communists?’

Also the following events contributed to the fear of communism:

The Development Of The Cold War At The End Of WW2

The Cold War was so called as it was a period of great tension but it didn’t involve any fighting. Both superpowers were suspicious and fearful of each other. America feared that the Soviet Union would encourage Communists worldwide to take over power by either taking control of governments in their own countries or through war.

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The Soviet Takeover Of Eastern Europe

At the end of WW2 the Russians liberated countries in Eastern Europe previously controlled by Germany during the war. The idea was the Russians would allow free elections and leave but they didn’t and soon forced Communist governments on this country. American then became terrified that Communism would spread.

Chinese Communists Take Power In China

In 1949 there was a revolution in China resulting in China becoming a Communist country. China was a big country the Americans thought what is going to stop Communism going to America.

The Russians exploded their first Atomic Bomb

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