McCarthyism and the second Red Scare
I can explain the influence and impact of the second Red Scare in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s.
McCarthyism and the second Red Scare
I can explain the influence and impact of the second Red Scare in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The USA experienced the second Red Scare during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Historical, international and domestic factors contributed to the second Red Scare.
- A wide range of Americans were investigated during hunts for communists.
- Joseph McCarthy became a leading anti-communist figure.
- McCarthyism involved accusing others of being communists with little proof.
Keywords
Ideology - an ideology is a set of beliefs which shapes a person's’ understanding of society and the world
Communist - a communist is a person who believes that wealth should be shared equally between people
Paranoia - paranoia is a situation where people are are unreasonably or excessively scared of something
Blacklisted - a situation where people refuse to deal or interact with a group of others who they consider to be bad is known as being blacklisted
Common misconception
The limited number of communists in the USA meant few people were affected by the Red Scare.
Millions of Americans were investigated during the Red Scare and thousands lost their jobs and social standing due to suspicions about their political beliefs.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: McCarthyism and the second Red Scare, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: McCarthyism and the second Red Scare, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
set of beliefs which shapes a person's understanding of society
belief that all wealth should be shared equally between people
making strong accusations against people without proper proof