Salem Witch Trials Vs Mccarthy Red Scare

The Salem Witch Trials and the McCarthy Red Scare are historical events that occurred in different time periods of history. These events share many similarities such as mass panics, hysteria, paranoia, false accusations, and incarcerations. During the mid 20th century, the United States experienced the McCarthy era. This era was a period full of paranoia, fearing communists had infiltrated the US government and American society. According to “McCarthyism”(2022) “He declared that 205 Communists had infiltrated the U.S. Department of State. This shocking announcement propelled the senator into the national spotlight, and McCarthyism gained a foothold in the United States.” This announcement led to widespread panic, with individuals fearing communism

Not only did these events have a huge impact that would create the event itself, but both the McCarthy Red Scare and Salem Witch Trials led to negative societal consequences. For example, during the red scare, hundreds of people lost their jobs and were incarcerated on the basis of being communist. According to “McCarthyism”(2022) “more than 2,000 government employees lost their jobs and had their reputations destroyed in the process.” During the Salem witch trials, several people were also incarcerated, mostly women, on the basis of being involved in witchcraft. According to “Salem Witch Trials”(2022) “more than 200 people had been accused and 19 had been executed on Gallows Hill.” In the town of Salem, besides getting arrested or jailed, people were also excommunicated from the church. In conclusion, the McCarthy Red Scare and the Salem Witch Trials, although occurring at different times, share many similarities such as mass panics, hysteria, paranoia, false accusations, and