Question

What did the term McCarthyism become a catchword for

Answer 1

The term McCarthyism became a catchword for charging and accusing that people were not loyal to the United States without evidence.

McCarthyism refers to the practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proof. The term ris related to U.S. senator Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin) and was originated in the period in the United States called the Second Red Scare, which protracted from the late 1940s through the 1950s.

Answer 2

McCarthyism became a catchword for charges and accusations against other Americans.

During the era after World War II, the fear of communism spread throughout the US as America and the Soviet Union competed for global power and influence. This constant fear and paranoia of communism was only fueled by Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy accused numerous people of being communist, including members of the State Department and even members of the American military. These types of accusations increased suspicion in the US and caused American citizens to turn on each other.