Using the link below, read the telegram sent by Senator McCarthy to President Truman (the telegram is linked approximately 2/3 down the page). Reading the telegram, the background information on the link, lecture notes and your own research, analyze the document, using the questions below as a guide.

ANSWER

Why did Senator McCarthy choose to claim that he had proof of communists working within the State Department?

Senator McCarthy was a Republican senator from Wisconsin who was known for his anti-communist rhetoric. In the telegram he sent to President Truman, he claimed to have the names of 57 communists who were working in the State Department. This was a serious accusation, and it came at a time when the United States was deeply suspicious of communism. McCarthy’s claim was likely motivated by a number of factors, including his own political ambitions and his desire to boost his popularity among conservative voters. He may also have believed that there were actually communists working in the State Department, and he was trying to expose them.

What was it about communism that would attract people to it during the Great Depression in the United States?

Communism offered a number of things that were appealing to people during the Great Depression. It promised economic equality, social justice, and an end to the exploitation of the working class. It also offered a sense of hope and community to people who were struggling during the Depression.

Explain whether you feel that the accusations of Senator McCarthy were either healthy or unhealthy for the country.

I believe that the accusations of Senator McCarthy were unhealthy for the country. They created a climate of fear and suspicion, and they led to the blacklisting of many innocent people. McCarthy’s accusations also damaged the reputation of the United States abroad.

List three things the author said that you think are important:

1. The author claims to have the names of 57 communists who are working in the State Department.
2. The author calls on President Truman to provide Congress with a full accounting of Communist infiltration of the Department.
3. The author alleges that Alger Hiss, a former State Department official, protected security risks.

Why do you think this document was written?

I believe that this document was written to raise awareness of the alleged communist infiltration of the State Department. McCarthy was trying to build support for his anti-communist crusade, and he was also trying to pressure President Truman to take action against the communists.

What evidence in the document helps you know why it was written?

The evidence that helps me know why this document was written is the fact that it was sent to President Truman. This suggests that McCarthy was trying to influence the President’s decision-making. The document also contains specific allegations about communist infiltration of the State Department, which suggests that McCarthy was trying to raise awareness of this issue.