Question

Which of the following events contributed to Joseph McCarthy’s rise to power during the early 1950s? The House Un-American Activities Committee was formed. Alger Hiss was prosecuted and convicted as a Soviet spy. The Senate passed a resolution to censure McCarthy. Republicans gained control of both houses of Congress.

Answer 1

The correct answer is D) Republicans gained control of both houses of Congress.

The event that contributed to Joseph McCarthy’s rise to power during the early 1950s was "Republicans gained control of both houses of Congress."

That event strengthened the power and presence of Wisconsin Republican Senator Joseph McCartney. In the middle of the Cold War years, this Senator accused many people that worked in the US government and the military, to be involved in Communist activities. He caused so much damage with his many accusations. But the worst part was that he signaled many people with no proof at all. That is why years later he lost all of his credibility and ended his career in politics.

Answer 2

Alger Hiss was prosecuted and convicted as a Soviet spy.

Alger Hiss worked for the State Department and was convicted of perjury. This conviction labeled him a Soviet spy.

Joseph McCarthy was able to build off of the Hiss conviction by suggesting he had a list of other spies within the State Department. He created an investigation committee to expose the spies in the government. McCarthy was able to create hysteria around his supposed list. It was later found when McCarthy was investigated that he never had a list of spies.