19392 - Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare
Course Overview
Following World War II, the United States was gripped by a fear that communists were infiltrating the federal government and subverting American society to create a left-wing “deep state.” This was known as the “Red Scare.” Sensing a “golden opportunity” in politics, Wisconsin Republican Senator Joseph R. McCarthy “fueled the flames” with his allegations that hundreds of Communists already were operating in the State Department and other federal agencies. As chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, he hired staff without consulting other committee members, and held closed sessions on short notice or away from Washington during which he and his chief counsel Roy Cohn exercised complete control as they grilled witnesses. Among these were prominent members of the entertainment industry who were subpoenaed and asked to “name names” of communist sympathizers. Those who refused to comply were placed on a “blacklist” within the industry and denied work. Ultimately, more than 300 people were blacklisted including Charlie Chaplin, Lena Horne, and Leonard Bernstein. Harvard law dean Ervin Griswold described McCarthy as "judge, jury, prosecutor, castigator, and press agent, all in one.” Join us to learn what finally broke McCarthy’s five-year control. Who finally had the courage publicly to say to McCarthy, “You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?"
Additional Information
Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for entry. Masks are recommended.
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This class is eligible for UNM Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment.
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