Focus on: Senator Joe McCarthy

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Joseph McCarthy

(1908–1957)

Joseph McCarthy was born in Wisconsin in 1908 and was elected to the US Senate as a Republican in 1946. He gained little recognition initially until his strong anti-communist stance surfaced in 1950. To draw attention to himself, McCarthy claimed that anti-communism would be his platform.

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McCarthyism

On February 9, 1950, McCarthy alleged that he had a list of over 200 State Department officials who were communists. His speech gained widespread media attention, and rather than providing evidence, the public demanded action. President Truman responded by establishing the Tydings Committee to investigate McCarthy's claims. The committee found no evidence, dismissing McCarthy's allegations as a 'fraud and hoax.' McCarthy accused Truman and Democrats of being lenient on communism, leading Republicans to demand stricter anti-communist laws. The McCarran Act was enacted, banning anyone involved in 'anti-democratic' organizations. Although Truman attempted to veto the law, it remained.

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The Success of McCarthy

Several factors contributed to McCarthy's early success:

• Political Climate in the US: The atmosphere following the Hollywood hearings and the Alger Hiss and Rosenberg cases made the public receptive to McCarthy's claims.
• A Populist Message: McCarthy framed the issue as a battle between common Americans and an elite class, positioning himself as a defender of ordinary citizens.
• Broad Political Support: McCarthy's attacks on Democrats for being 'soft on communism' resonated with Republicans and pressured Democrats to support him to avoid losing seats in Congress. Even President Eisenhower did not defend General Marshall when McCarthy accused him.

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McCarthy's Fall

The media initially bolstered McCarthy and played a significant role in his downfall. In 1953, as chairman of the Senate's Committee on Government Operations' Subcommittee on Investigations, McCarthy expanded his targets to include respected individuals and institutions, including the army and the Supreme Court. His investigations into alleged homosexuals in government, known as the 'Lavender List,' further damaged his reputation. Televised hearings in 1954 depicted McCarthy as a bully and extremist. Journalists like Ed Murrow began to criticise him, and his colleagues in the Senate eventually censured him in 1954, leading to his career's collapse. McCarthy struggled with alcoholism and passed away in 1957.

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Quotes on/from Joseph McCarthy

"McCarthy's tactics and methods have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad and given considerable comfort to our enemies." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower

"McCarthyism is Americanism with its sleeves rolled." - Senator Joseph McCarthy