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Describe two problems faced by Americans because of McCarthyism - AQA - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 4
Describe two problems faced by Americans because of McCarthyism. [4 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe two problems faced by Americans because of McCarthyism - AQA - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe one problem: Fear of Accusations
Answer
One significant problem that arose during the McCarthyism era was the pervasive fear instilled in individuals due to McCarthy's accusations claiming that many people were communist supporters. This led to a widespread climate of distrust and anxiety, where individuals often felt they could be accused of disloyalty without any substantive evidence. This 'witch hunt' mentality compromised the safety and stability of many Americans who were wrongfully associated with communism.
Step 2
Describe another problem: Employment Discrimination
Answer
Another critical issue was the discrimination faced by individuals who were either actual members of the Communist Party or were suspected of being so. Even if someone did not belong to the Communist Party, the stigma attached to such affiliations often resulted in social ostracism and difficulties in securing employment. Many, like the famous actor Charlie Chaplin, found themselves forced to leave the country to continue their careers due to the accusations and ramifications of being labeled a communist.