McCarthy Trials. An Exploration Through Archival Film

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Description

Presenting archival footage from the anti-communist turmoil of the 1950s, this program takes viewers back to an America turning against itself, an America pushed into a state of paranoia by one man-Senator Joseph McCarthy. Historian Ben Walsh serves as a helpful guide to these newsreel materials while also making use of insightful excerpts on the topic from the 1984 Bill Moyers series A Walk Through the 20th Century (item 42066, Post-War Hopes, Cold War Dreams). Looking at McCarthy's tactics in naming and punishing alleged communist activists and supporters, as well as his use and manipulation of the media, the program is a valuable resource not only for teaching about postwar America, but also for instruction in the use of archival films.