Joseph McCarthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Raymond McCarthy
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| United States Senator from Wisconsin |
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| In office January 3, 1947 – May 2, 1957 |
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| Preceded by | Robert M. La Follette, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William Proxmire |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 300px November 14, 1908 Grand Chute, Wisconsin |
| Died | May 2, 1957 (aged 48) Bethesda, Maryland |
| Resting place | 300px |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Jean Kerr McCarthy |
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| Signature | .gif) |
Joseph Raymond McCarthy (November 14, 1908 – May 2, 1957) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Senator for Wisconsin from 1947 until his death. In the 1950s, he became famous during the Cold War. This was a time when many Americans worried about Communists secretly working against the United States.
McCarthy claimed that many Communists and Soviet spies had entered the U.S. government. He also said they were in universities and the film industry. The way he made these accusations led to him being criticized by the U.S. Senate. The word "McCarthyism" was created in 1950 because of his actions. Today, this word describes making wild accusations without proof. It also means attacking someone's character or patriotism unfairly.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph McCarthy was born in 1908 on a farm in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. He was the fifth of nine children. His mother, Bridget McCarthy, was from Ireland. His father, Timothy McCarthy, was born in the U.S.
McCarthy left junior high school at age 14. He helped his parents work on their farm. He later returned to high school at age 20 and finished in one year. From 1930 to 1935, he attended Marquette University. He worked hard to pay for his studies, including coaching and boxing. He first studied electrical engineering. Then he switched to law and earned a law degree in 1935.
Political Career and Accusations
McCarthy became a lawyer in 1935. In 1942, he joined the Marine Corps. He worked as an intelligence officer for a dive bomber group. After World War II, he became a major. He flew twelve combat missions as a gunner. This earned him the nickname "Tail-Gunner Joe."
In 1946, McCarthy was elected to the U.S. Senate. He became nationally known in February 1950. He claimed to have a list of Communists working in the State Department. Over the next few years, McCarthy made more accusations. He said Communists had entered the State Department and the U.S. Army. He also targeted President Harry S. Truman's government and the Voice of America.
Many American Catholics strongly opposed Communism. McCarthy was Catholic himself. Even though most Catholics were Democrats, he gained popularity among them. Many Catholic leaders and newspapers supported him.
On December 2, 1954, the Senate voted to officially criticize Senator McCarthy. The vote was 67 to 22. This made him one of the few senators ever disciplined in this way.
Later Years and Death
After being criticized by the Senate, Joseph McCarthy continued his duties. However, his public career was largely over. Other senators often avoided him. When he spoke, the Senate chamber was usually empty.
People who wrote about McCarthy said he changed after the censure. He became less energetic and seemed like a "pale ghost of his former self."
McCarthy died on May 2, 1957, at age 48. He passed away at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. His death certificate listed the cause as "Hepatitis, acute, cause unknown." A large funeral was held for him in Washington. Many senators and priests attended. Thousands of people also viewed his body. He was buried in St. Mary's Parish Cemetery in Appleton, Wisconsin. More than 17,000 people paid their respects there.
Images for kids
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Joseph McCarthy in his U.S. Marine Corps uniform
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McCarthy receiving his DFC and Air Medal from Colonel John R. Lanigan, December 1952
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Senator Millard Tydings
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Herbert Block, who signed his work "Herblock", coined the term "McCarthyism" in this cartoon in the March 29, 1950, Washington Post.
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States
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McCarthy chats with Roy Cohn (right) at the Army-McCarthy hearings.
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Joseph N. Welch (left) being questioned by Senator McCarthy, June 9, 1954.
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Edward R. Murrow, pioneer in broadcast journalism.
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Senator Ralph Flanders, who introduced the resolution calling for McCarthy to be censured
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Senator Arthur V. Watkins
See also
In Spanish: Joseph McCarthy para niños
