Political Climate of the 1950's

The McCarthy Hearings had many effects on ordinary life during the 1950's. The McCarthy Hearings delayed the legislative operations of Congress. They lasted a little bit over a month which probably pushed back all the other cases. The morale of the armed forces were definately not heightened by the hearings. Other countries were confused by what was going on, and their views of Americans were changed. Since the hearings were being televised the hearings were being seen and heard. This caused damage in the homes of those who were watching them. The McCathy Hearings was the first time for most people to see Congress in action. Most people viewed the actions of Congress as just and responsible, but when they saw the McCarthy Hearings their assumptions were completely destroyed. The hearings made the leading participants, who obviously forgot they were being televised, look bad.
I learned that the hearings had effects on almost all of those who watched. The armed forces, people from different countries, and those who were watching the acts of Congress for the first time. The politician's words had many effects on how people viewed them and how they viewed the government. I also learned that the McCarthy Hearings delayed other legislative operations that were supposed to be going on. The McCarthy Hearings really didn't have many positive effects other than opening the eyes of those who watched to what is really going on behind the scenes.

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6449