An Era Of Great Conflict - 1375 Words

Alexis de Tocqueville published Democracy in America in 1835 and examined the democratic revolution; he references to American Exceptionalism and the five characteristics that make America â€Å"Exceptional†. Similarly, the 1950s in America was recognized for its highs and lows. Even with the economy was booming, it was known as an era of great conflict (History.com Staff). In the 1950s, Tocqueville’s five characteristics of American Exceptionalism are invalidated; liberty was not attainable due to the Cold War policies like McCarthyism, racism, such as the massive resistance of integration, disproved egalitarianism, conformity, in the suburbs and women’s lives, throughout this decade refuted individualism, populism was belittled with the†¦show more content†¦The second Red Scare, or often referred to as â€Å"McCarthyism†, was the fear of communism from the late 1940’s through the 1950’s. McCarthyism, regularly known for its practic e of accusing without appropriate regard, heightened political repression against communism (â€Å"Senator Joseph McCarthy†). â€Å"McCarthy launched a campaign based on fears, innuendo, and smears to track down Communist in government.†(Young). McCarthy launched several committees, such as the Senate Investigatory Committee that investigated government employees, or the House Un-American Activities Committee that investigated Hollywood for communism (â€Å"Senator Joseph McCarthy†). These committees were a violation of the people’s freedom since it was an invasion of privacy. No one was safe to think for himself or herself, and accusation of communism ruined many lives. For example, Alger Hiss was a high-ranking government employee accused of being communist, although he was not found guilty, his reputation was ruined. (Wall) In conclusion, America had little freedom because of the fear of Communism; they were not entitled to their independence. Furtherm ore, egalistatianism, another characteristic that makes America â€Å"Exceptional† was absent through this decade. Pro-segregation, such as Central High School Little Rock incident and Harry F Byrd’s opposition to integration, invalidated egalitarianism, the principle of all people being equal. African Americans