Discuss the rise of McCarthyism and its effects in the US.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the rise of McCarthyism and its effects in the US. Although both rise and effects must be addressed, there does not need to be an equal focus on each. For rise, candidates may discuss the Red Scare and Truman's anti-communism. Candidates may also address the support for McCarthyism from anti-communist groups. For effects, candidates may argue that McCarthy led a witch hunt and promoted the unfounded persecution of citizens. They may refer to blacklists in Hollywood, the persecution of members of left-wing associations, state officials and politicians, the loss of jobs, and imprisonments. They may discuss the role of the House of Un-American Activities Committee in the investigation of citizens. Candidates may consider the effects of McCarthyism by referring to, for example, official propaganda that warned of the dangers of and prepared the population for atomic war.