Increasing Cold War tensions: McCarthyism in the USA and its influence in Britain and Europe; US dominance in the UN and role as 'world policeman'; the isolation of China
In the early 1950s, fear of communism gripped the USA and spread abroad. America also used its power in the United Nations to police the world and shut China out of global politics.
Real World
Senator McCarthy's televised Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954 were broadcast live to millions of Americans; when attorney Joseph Welch asked 'Have you no sense of decency?', public opinion turned sharply against McCarthy, leading to his censure by the Senate.
Exam Focus
For McCarthyism questions, address both domestic impact (careers destroyed, civil liberties curtailed) and international impact (allied governments pressured) to access higher mark bands.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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