Which of the following best describes McCarthyism?

• A. A peaceful negotiation process
• B. A systematic movement for labor rights
• C. A campaign against alleged communists
• D. An initiative for educational reform

Answer: (C)

McCarthyism refers specifically to the intense campaign launched in the early 1950s led by Senator Joseph McCarthy to identify and root out alleged communists within the United States. This period was marked by accusations and investigations that aimed to expose individuals thought to hold communist sympathies, often leading to significant political and social repercussions for those accused. McCarthy's tactics included public hearings and sensationalized charges that played on the fears of communism during the Cold War era, profoundly impacting American society and politics.

The term "McCarthyism" itself has come to symbolize a broader climate of fear and repression related to anti-Communist sentiment, often characterized by a disregard for civil liberties. It exemplifies how fear can lead to a wave of suspicion and how that can manifest in aggressive actions taken against perceived threats, rather than focusing on negotiation, labor rights, or educational reform, which are unrelated to the core issues of that period.