The 1950s: 11 Pivotal Moments in American History, and the Stories that Made them So
Written by Newstrended Staff on 5/28/2024

2. McCarthyism

Senator Joe McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade led to widespread fear of censorship and accusations of disloyalty.

McCarthy’s crusade and the Red Scare it sparked caused a massive disruption in American culture. It resulted in the blacklisting of thousands of public figures, the decline of freedom of speech, and censorship on television and radio programs. In addition, it led to calls for loyalty oaths in government departments. The detrimental effects of this witch hunt served as a powerful reminder of the importance of civil liberties and due process.