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Content Supports - Primary and secondary sources
McCarthy-Welsh Exchange ("Have you No Sense of Decency?")
Discipline
Social Studies
Grades
9, 10
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Professional Commentary

This primary resource, hosted by American Rhetoric, is the "exchange" or argument between Senator Joseph McCarthy and Joseph Welch, the lead attorney for the US Army, while it was "under investigations" in 1954. Included is both an audio link of the event, as well as a full transcript. This resource allows students to hear the Senator's questions and tone as they were broadcast to the American public. Teachers could use this to help students better understand not only the fear and sentiment surrounding communism but also to highlight Senator McCarthy's intense and bully attitude which eventually led to his downfall. author/as


Ohio Social Studies Academic Content Standards (2010)
Course: American History
Historical Thinking and Skills
2. 
The use of primary and secondary sources of information includes an examination of the credibility of each source.
The Cold War (1945-1991)
25. 
The Second Red Scare and McCarthyism reflected Cold War fears in American society.
26. 
The Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced domestic and international politics.
Social Studies Standards (2001)
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 10)
4.
Analyze instances in which the rights of individuals were restricted including:
  1. Conscientious objectors in World War I;
  2. Immigrants during the Red Scare;
  3. Intellectuals and artists during the McCarthy Era;
  4. African-Americans during the civil rights movement.