TOPIC: THE “RED SCARE” OF THE 1950’S IN THE U.S.
BACKGROUND & EXPLANATION: In the mid-1950’s Americans became extremely concerned with the spread of Communism around the world. This included the fear that Communist influences would attempt to gain a foothold in our own country. This fear became so strong and wide-spread that it turned into something resembling an hysteria. The term “hysteria” means an irrational fear of something based on falsehoods and rumors rather than fact and logic.
ASSIGNMENT: Describe and explain the “Red Scare” of the 1950’s in America. Describe the role of Sen. Joseph McCarthy, and explain why this period in our history is often compared to the Salem Witch Trials, which occurred in Colonial America. Also, discuss whether or not we have had anything like this since the 1950’s.
The essay should be 4 paragraphs long; paragraphs should be at least 8 sentences long. You will need to google the various aspects of the topic, and also search on YouTube for brief videos concerning this episode in our history. This is not a research paper, however. After you gain information, you will be writing it in your own words. The essay will automatically be run through a plagiarism check.