McCarthyism

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McCarthyism was a period of intense anti-Communist suspicion in the United States that lasted roughly from the late 1940s to the late 1950s. Although associated with Senator Joseph McCarthy, it was a broad cultural and political phenomenon that also encompassed industry blacklists, the activities of the House Un-American Activities Committee, and more. It developed a larger following after a speech by McCarthy in February 1950, and the invasion of South Korea by communist North Korea in June 1950.