“The age of McCarthyism” by Ellen Schrecker

The beginning of this second edition of “The age of McCarthyism: A brief history with documents by Ellen Schrecker, states the thesis that rules it. Ellen Schrecker argues even though Joseph McCarthy’s name is notoriously linked to this era, in truth, he played only a small part in the phenomenon that engulfed America far longer than the four years, the senator used to advocate his anti-communists views. McCarthy’s actions distracted the attention of the historians causing them to overlook the more true everlasting aspects of the anti-communist crusade of the 1940’s and 1950’s. (p.2) What these people overlooked were the important roles, which were played by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Director J. Edgar Hoover and President Harry S. Truman. Their anti-communist activity actions and polices prospered having the support of America’s political and social elite in the federal government as well as public and private institutions. This led to “The most extensive time episode of political repression in American history.” (pg.2) Ironically, the American Communist movement, was declining, while this was happening.

The members of the party lowered to no more than 50,000 members and Communist Espionage, which was active before and during World War II came to an end. The threat at the center of the anti-communist became a thing of the past. Schrecker, from this perspective hoped to understand McCarthyism by understanding the events of this time through the eyes of those who were involved in this witch hunt. The first part is a narrative that succinctly presents an overview of the McCarthy era. The chapter begins with the genesis and evolution of the American Order#11111970 the age of McCarthyism Pg.2 Communist party. Ellen Schrecker, goes on to treat the pertinent topics such as the influence of McCarthyism on government and society. The cold War’s national security, Truman’s administrations loyalty-security programs, and the major espionage trials are all under scrutiny in her analysis. The book addresses the congressional committee investigations, especially the dealings of the house committee on un-American activities as well as the part about Senator Joseph McCarthy, exposing the congressional branch’s role in McCarthyism.

Other chapters of the book discuss the hysteria, which affected American society including topics of the impact of the investigations and the holding back on the front organizations and radical unions. The effect of blacklisting; on the lives of American citizens, how the anti-communists efforts moved slowly down to the state and local levels, and the role that were played by American liberals are also discussed in its entirety in Schrecker’s book. The author concludes this section of the book with a short chapter estimating McCarthyism’s legend in which Schrecker undertakes an argument that she has set fourth in detail in some of her works. “McCarthyism, main impact,” Schrecker defends, “may well have been in what did not happen rather than in what did-the social reforms that were adopted, the diplomatic initiatives that were not pursued, the workers who were not organized into unions, the books that were not written, and the movies that were never filmed.” (p.105) The result and major casualty of McCarthyism were the leftists Americans. The second part of the book is reinforced with Schrecker’s choice of documents Order#11111970 the age of McCarthyism Pg.3 which makes points in her narrative.

Writings and memories of the members of the Communist’s party and writings of fervent anti-communists, such as national American Legion commander James F. O’Neill and J. Edgar Hoover, presents the perspectives of both leaders during this period. Schrecker discusses Truman’s Executive Order 9835, which is a government document that sets up the administration’s loyalty-security programs and parts from the congressional investigative committee hearings like the notorious committee on un-American activities. This document explains the roles of the federal government. The victims of these congressional hearings, such as Lillian Hellman, were also represented in these documents. These documents are the same as in the first edition. However, Schrecker’s edition does add relevant newly released information on the Alger Hiss and Rosenberg espionage cases.

This volume also includes important selections from the Venona telegrams and seized cable traffic between spies as they worked out of various soviet missions in the United States and Russia during World War II. It was later, crypted over the years and was declassified in 1995 along with declassified FBI materials. The age of McCarthyism is a reliable resource for educators. Schrecker develops a theme of the book that may be questioned by historians. The author in this section presents a balanced overview of the anti-communist phenomenon that includes the leaders different viewpoints. This leaves room for students who will study this period of history to weigh the accounts and reach their own conclusions. Schrecker accomplishes the goal to explore this era through the eyes of the ones who lived it.

Reference Site

– The age of McCarthyism: A brief History with document, second edition, Ellen Schrecker. New York: Bedford/St Martin’s, 2002.