McCarthyism – The Red Scare in the U.S.

1. Who was Joseph McCarthy?

• A) A general in World War II
  

• B) A president of the U.S.
  

• C) A senator who led anti-communist accusations

• D) A Hollywood actor

2. What was McCarthyism mainly about?

• A) Supporting freedom of speech
  

• B) Promoting communism
  

• C) Accusing people of being communists without proof

• D) Ending the Cold War

3. What does the term “Red Scare” refer to?

• A) Fear of nuclear war
  

• B) Fear of economic collapse
  

• C) Fear of communism spreading in the U.S.

• D) Fear of Germany

4. During McCarthyism, what happened to many innocent people?

• A) They were given awards
  

• B) They were promoted in their jobs
  

• C) They were accused and lost jobs without evidence

• D) They moved to the Soviet Union

5. What type of evidence did McCarthy usually have for his accusations?

• A) Strong proof from the courts
  

• B) Public confessions
  

• C) Military documents
  

• D) Little or no real evidence

6. What government committee investigated suspected communists?

• A) UN Security Council
  

• B) Department of Education
  

• C) House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)

• D) Environmental Protection Agency

7. What does it mean to be “blacklisted”?

• A) To be elected to office
  

• B) To be promoted in the military
  

• C) To be celebrated by the government
  

• D) To be banned from working due to suspicion

8. What rights were often violated during McCarthyism?

• A) Freedom of speech and right to a fair trial ✅
  

• B) Right to vote only
  

• C) Freedom of religion
  

• D) Right to bear arms

9. How did McCarthy’s influence come to an end?

• A) He resigned as President
  

• B) He was praised by the media
  

• C) He was censured (punished) by the Senate

• D) He moved to Russia

10. What is the biggest lesson from McCarthyism?

• A) Fear should be encouraged in politics
  

• B) Accusing people without proof keeps the country safe
  

• C) Democracy must protect civil rights even in times of fear

• D) Communism was never a concern in the U.S.