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Today in History: McCarthy Accuses 205 State Department Employees of Communism

2/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On February 9, 1950, U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed that 205 employees of the State Department were communists, igniting a wave of anti-communist fervor known as McCarthyism. This period was marked by intense political repression and fear of communist infiltration in American institutions, leading to widespread accusations and investigations.

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Story summary

On February 9, 1950, U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed that 205 employees of the State Department were communists, igniting a wave of anti-communist fervor known as McCarthyism. This period was marked by intense political repression and fear of communist infiltration in American institutions, leading to widespread accusations and investigations.