1. The Witch-hunts of McCarthyism

2. WITCH HUNT
a political campaign launched on the pretext of investigating activities subversive to the state
persecution of innocent people, based on race, gender, religious belief, political belief, etc.
(American Heritage Dictionary)

3. Background on McCarthyism
Who is it named after?
Senator Joseph McCarthy
Republican from Wisconsin
Made a public speech on TV telling all Communist-linked individuals to be on the lookout

4. Causes of McCarthyism Anti-Communist Sentiment
The Cold War: USA versus Russia
Anti-Communist Sentiment
period of intense anti-Communist suspicion in the United States that lasted roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s
Communist Control Act of 1954
signed into law by Dwight Eisenhower, which outlawed the Communist Party of the United States and criminalized membership in, or support for, the Party.

5. Consequences of Witch hunt
National Hysteria and Individual Loss: Thousands of Americans affected
accused of being Communists or communist sympathizers
became the subject of aggressive investigations and questioning before government or private-industry panels, committees and agencies
The primary targets of such suspicions were government employees, those in the entertainment industry, educators and union activists.
Many people suffered loss of employment, destruction of their careers, and even imprisonment.

6. Consequences of McCarthyism
Hollywood Blacklist
1947: the committee held nine days of hearings into alleged Communist propaganda in the Hollywood motion picture industry.
After refusing to answer Congress, the "Hollywood Ten" were blacklisted by the industry.
More than 300 artists—including directors, radio commentators, actors and particularly screenwriters—were boycotted by the studios.
Only about ten percent succeeded in rebuilding careers within the entertainment industry.

7. Consequnces of McCarthyism
Media sensationalized the hunt for Communists

8. Why McCarthyism? That he argued against freedom of speech
ideas of Communism was a dangerous and un-American thing
Ruining reputations
No credible evidence
Against him = For communism
Used accusations of Communism

9. Comparison to Salem Witch Hunts: Look familiar?
House of Un-American Activities Committee,
Salem Witch Trials, 1692

10. How is McCarthyism connected to The Crucible by Arthur Miller?
Metaphor
Government’s power
Arguing innocence
Miller wrote the play in 1952
Miller accused in 1956

11. Comparison to Salem Witch Hunts: The Accused Heroes
Arthur Miller, accused of Communist Ties
John Proctor, accused of Witchcraft and Lechery

12. Similar Characteristics
Venn Diagram
Salem Witch Trials
McCarthyism
Similar Characteristics

13. Possible way(s) for this society to have avoided McCarthyism
Government should protect citizens from wrongful accusation
National security should not be prioritized over civil liberties
The public should speak up against government abuse

14. Research Paper
Research and compare the Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism, and another historical witch hunt in a page typed essay.
You must use at least 5 sources, one of which must be The Crucible.
Include a title and works cited page in appropriate MLA documentation.

15. Due Dates Complete typed rough draft: June 4th
Final typed draft: June 11th
Be aware that we will be reading and discussing two plays, so be sure to pace your writing.