During the 1950s, Americans feared the concept of communism. This is when the government has complete control over the economy. America was built on democracy and free enterprise, while the Soviet Union based its country on communism. After World War II, China had a civil war and fell to the Communist Party. This is called the “red scare”. People feared that US citizens were secretly part of the Communist Party. They questioned neighbors, politicians, celebrities, etc. Due to growing fear, the House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) began investigating. All this time, Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy was a power-hungry politician. He looked for a topic to become famous and found the perfect topic. On February 9, 1950, McCarthy made a list of 205 names who were “communists.” This gave him the platform he wanted. He became chairman of the Senate committee and began the investigation. Celebrities were often targeted and blacklisted if they were associated. People referred to this as “McCarthyism.” It was during this time that playwright Arthur Miller wrote his play, The Crucible in 1953. In short, the residents of Salem are accused of witchcraft. Some deny the accusation, others confess. However, many were hanged and shunned by the rest of the city. The parallels between these two historical moments are quite evident. The hysteria, guilt, and sacrifice that took over both situations are some of the key factors in why McCarthyism and The Crucible are similar. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the summer of 1949, the Soviets extended their control to much of Eastern Europe, and China was on the verge of becoming a communist nation. Everyone in the United States became hysterical. A political cartoonist, Herblock created a cartoon called "Fire." It basically represents a "hysterical" man who pours water on the fire of the torch supported by the Statue of Liberty. The torch symbolizes freedom for immigrants who entered the United States, but it also reminds Americans of their freedom. When the torch is extinguished, it eliminates freedom and power. The hysteria is what has driven many Americans to blame their neighbors or celebrities. Just like in The Crucible, it is stated that Abigail is "talking to a bird" that has taken the form of Mary Lewis. The tide began to turn against Abigail in Act III when Mary Warren began testifying against her. On page 114, Abigail begins pointing and yelling at a beam. Everyone looks towards the direction and the group of girls begins to follow them. Judge Danforth says, "What is it, child?... What is it?... She's paralyzed... Girls! Why - ?". The group of girls turned their backs on Mary Warren. All what Mary Warren says or does is imitated. As on page 115, Miller's direction says: “Abigail, now staring forward as if hypnotized, and imitating the exact tone of Mary Warren's cry, pleads: “Abby, You mustn't!" Abigail and all the girls, all transfixed: "Abby, you mustn't!" Now that the girls have joined in the act performed by Abigail, Mary Warren no longer has power in what she says due to the hysterical acts of the girl. Elia Kazan was just one of the famous directors in Hollywood. On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire are just some of his infamous films. In the years 1934-1936 Kazan was a member of the Communist Party 'HUAC to testify under oath. Initially refused to “name names” on January 14, 1952,.