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In this edited extract, the American historian, Samuel Eliot Morison, comments on the activities of Senator Joe McCarthy - Leaving Cert History - Question A - 2012
Question A
In this edited extract, the American historian, Samuel Eliot Morison, comments on the activities of Senator Joe McCarthy. Read it and answer the questions that follo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In this edited extract, the American historian, Samuel Eliot Morison, comments on the activities of Senator Joe McCarthy - Leaving Cert History - Question A - 2012
Step 1
1. According to the author, why was it widely believed that there was a communist conspiracy against the US?
Answer
According to the author, the belief in a communist conspiracy was largely due to the cunning of Senator McCarthy in promoting the idea. His dalliances and manipulations played a crucial role in instilling this fear in the American populace.
Step 2
2. How widely did opinions about McCarthy vary?
Answer
Opinions on McCarthy varied tremendously, ranging from viewing him as a hero to a villain. Some considered him a plain rogue lacking morals, while others saw him as a person dedicated to rooting out communism. The spectrum ranged from 'pure white' to 'deepest black' in character assessment.
Step 3
3. What is the author's opinion of McCarthy?
Answer
The author's opinion of McCarthy is largely unfavorable. He is described as a cruel and greedy individual, branded as one of the biggest liars. The author suggests that McCarthy's actions reflect a man who sought power for personal gain rather than the common good.
Step 4
Step 5
5. How did Soviet-US relations after 1945 help McCarthy to create a 'red scare'?
Answer
Soviet-US relations deteriorated after 1945, as the Soviet Union was positioned as the enemy. This environment allowed McCarthy to promote the 'red scare' ideology, exploiting the public's fear of communism and the potential threat posed by the Soviet Union to rally support for his agenda.