The McCarthy era marked a period of heightened fear over the possibility of Communist activity in America. In 1947, the H.U.A.C. (House Un-American Activities Committee) accused members of the Hollywood entertainment industry of having Communist ties. Many were blacklisted and lost their jobs; some even went to prison. In the early 1950s, at the height of the “Red Scare,” Senator Joseph McCarthy and his committee called for the banning of books, artwork, and films deemed “un-American.” Congress held a series of televised hearings in which individuals were interrogated for subversive behavior.

You will be assigned topics that reflect the issues surrounding the McCarthy era and the Red Scare in America. Use what you have learned to write the opening statement for a mock trial: Hollywood vs. McCarthy. In a trial, the opening statement is a summary of the evidence and arguments in the case. To prepare your assignment, you will research Senator Joseph McCarthy’s career, blacklisting, Cold War paranoia, The Hollywood Ten, issues of civil liberties, and the role of the Hollywood media in society.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Movie theater built in the 1930s.

• Based on this picture, how prominent is the movie theater in this community?
• What role do you think movies play in American culture?
• If members of the media were Communist sympathizers, how might that affect American society?

Use the Daily Life through History articles listed on the right to research the causes of and the effects of McCarthyism on American society. Examine the Timeline. Your teacher will assign you to one of two teams: members of the Hollywood entertainment industry, or members of McCarthy’s congressional committee. As you read, build evidence for your case with historical facts and details that support your position.

Use the Concept Map to organize your information. In the middle oval, write McCarthyism. In the other ovals, write associated factors, such as blacklist system and congressional investigations. Work with your group to prepare your opening statements.

Have one member of your team read your opening statement to the class. Be sure to present your case clearly, keeping in mind your audience and the opposing arguments. Remember to consider issues of free speech and the role of the media in shaping public thought.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Was your point of view clearly stated in your opening statement?
• Did your argument have factual points of evidence?
• Were your main ideas presented in a logical sequence?
• Did you fully participate in preparing for your group’s presentation?