How do you account for the appeal of McCarthyism in the United Satates?

Answer 1

Senator Joseph McCarthy was facing reelection in 1952 and, without an issue to catch the eye of the voters, he was facing defeat. Almost by accident he discovered that the people were very anxious over the idea of Communist subversion in the United States government. In 1950, McCarthy addressed a group of Republicans in Wheeling, West Virginia, and he claimed that he had a list of 205 Communists who were working in the State Department with the full knowledge of the Secretary of State, Dean Acheson. McCarthy had no list and, in fact, could not even remember how many he had claimed were Communists in the State Department. But, following the dictate of “the big lie,” McCarthy continued making false accusations and retelling his lies so often, that many people began to believe him. The fact that he became a very popular speaker was evidence of just how anxious American society had become regarding the threat of Communism. Those who opposed the Senator were afraid to speak out, fearing that they would be the Senator’s next target. McCarthy became so powerful that the Republican candidate for President in 1952, Dwight Eisenhower, refrained from praising George C. Marshall, who had sponsored Ike’s military career and started the Marshall Plan, because Marshall was one of McCarthy’s “traitors.” McCarthy’s career came to an end when he accused the United States Army of being infiltrated by Communists. He was censured in December, 1954 by the Senate, and faded into history. MrV

Answer 2

In my opinion, there were many appeals. Firstly, there was a feeling of unity in it. By accusing others of communism, the accusers could feel that they were united by a common cause. You could say that McCarthyism brought anti-communist people together... Accusing others also fueled their sense of self- righteousness.

Perhaps it also helped them feel less helpless? By taking action on the percieved threat of communism, they felt more powerful and more in contol of their communities.

Here's another theory. I've seen copies of anti-communist comics, posters, films ect that were produced in that time period. So people may have been more willing to conform to McCarthyism because it was so highly advertised. Propaganda can be highly effective.

Please remember that this is a highly subjective question, there really is no right answer here.