Summary Of A Decade Of Fear

Sam Robert in the article, A Decade of Fear argues that McCarthyism turned Americans against each other. Robert supports his claim by illustrating fear, describing betrayal, and comparing it to other United States internal conflicts. The author's purpose is to point out a vulnerable period in American history in order to demonstrate that Americans fell prey to McCarthyism’s negative propaganda. The author writes in a cynical tone for educated readers. I strongly agree with Robert’s claim. McCarthyism caused Americans to strife each other because of acts of aggression, deceitful rumors, and paranoia.

Clearly, McCarthyism corrupted Americans by bringing forth violence and aggression. One reason for this was the overall stress and hysteria of

Although, a majority of these rumors were falsely misinterpreted and untrue. One reason for this was because of guilt and the need to protect oneself. According to the article, “A Decade of Fear”, it states, “It catapulted McCarthy to national prominence overnight, and eventually made his name a synonymous with a decade-long period of investigations-- labeled “witch hunts” by his critics-- to uncover Communist infiltration in American life,” (Robert). The events frightened Americans senseless, making them take action. If there were false accusations, citizens knew they would be locked away in prison, even though they were guilty of no crimes. Furthermore, instincts kicked in and individuals began to deceive each other ruthlessly. Neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, it didn't matter, everybody was a rival. Meaning, measures were taken beyond far and rumors spread rapidly. They were aware that if they blamed others that they may not be accused. Moreover, these actions took place in the Salem witch trials as well. Another example includes villagers accusing one another of witchcraft. People used any excuse they could find. Hence, Abigail accused Tituba of witchcraft, therefore she wanted to keep her own credibility from being destroyed. Understandably, this anger corrupted Americans, which further enhanced the issues of

One reason for this was due to manipulation of the people. For example, during this time period different events happened. The articles shows us that, “Fear of Communist infiltration intensified in the 1949 when Communists led by Mao Zedong took control of China and the Soviets detonated an atomic bomb-- well before some American scientists had estimated they would have the expertise to do so…” (Robert). The fear of an atomic bomb and Communist plagued the people’s attitudes. The people did not want to be tossed into jail as if they were ragdolls or be punished for no proper reason. This fear skyrocketed as more problems surfaced and as more people were taken away. The people were weak minded and could be taken over easily, making them easy targets to induce paranoia. In addition, this happened to the people of Salem as well. Another example includes when the rumor of witchcraft went around the village. Scared and vulnerable, the people began to panic, turn on each other, and due to all of this they either had to blame someone else or die for it. Lastly, the fear of McCarthyism was highly