Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

One major outcome of McCarthyism was the widespread fear of communism that permeated American society during the early Cold War years. McCarthyism, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, involved aggressive investigations and accusations against individuals suspected of being communists or communist sympathizers. This led to a climate of paranoia and suspicion, where people in various professions, including government, entertainment, and education, faced scrutiny and potential persecution.

As a result, many individuals were subjected to intense questioning and public trials, which created an atmosphere where dissent and differing political opinions were often viewed with skepticism. This fear significantly affected personal lives and careers, leading to the destruction of reputations and livelihoods based on often unsubstantiated claims.

In contrast, the other potential outcomes do not align with the context of McCarthyism. There was no notable increase in political stability; rather, the exploitation of fear created division and conflict. Acceptance of socialist policies was counter to the anti-communist sentiments driving McCarthyism, and while some civil rights legislation did emerge in the years following this period, it was not a direct result of McCarthy's actions, which were primarily focused on suppressing perceived communist threat rather than advancing civil rights.