Why did many Americans believe McCarthy at first?

Answer 1

yes, McCarthy persecuted alleged "communists" or "communist sympathizers" often ruining the careers of innocent people. while he utilized questionable tactics, the public generally approved of McCarthy and even regarded him heroically because he was purging the country of communism, a threat that had become increasingly tangible as more countries in eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America fell to communist regimes.

Answer 2

People didn't challenge McCarthy for many different reasons. For the majority of the general public, it was fear that led to this. After the Hiss case (Mr Hiss, the an adviser of the president, was accused wrongly for aiding communist countries, and acting as a spy. He had no real trial, but still went to prison for 5 years.) People realised they weren't safe anywhere.

The propoganda around at the time also didn't help. The film Invasion of the body snatchers was produced by Hollywood to imply communism was taking over the world, like an alien invasion. People felt that they were either for capitalism, and McCarthyism, or a Socilaist-Capitalist, or an Un-American as they were called to increase opposition. School children were indoctrinated with this information from a young age, so they didn't know better, and as they were following from example, and even politicians were just going with the flow, because it meant they were more likely to get voted into office if they supported McCarthy.

Overall, no one opposed Joseph McCarthy and his views on Communism because they were frightened, and didn't want to be different to other people all around them. They didn't really know any better.