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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that even in Western Massachusetts, citizens were fearful of a communist takeover of the United States in the years after World War II. They will learn of the media campaign - both by the government and outside of it - to warn and prepare people for such an attempt. And they will understand that under the proper circumstances, they themselves can become the victim of overenthusiastic "hype".
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
This activity should take two class periods. The background of the McCarthy Era will be presented, along with the March 6, 1950 editorial in the Greenfield Recorder-Gazette to show that this national news was already stirring comment in Western Mass. Students will be directed to find similar articles in their own local papers.
Step 2.
The class will read the March 9, 1954 Greenfield Recorder-Gazette article about how citizens were preparing for civil defense needs in this area. They will also receive a copy of the American Heritage article of February/March 1980 by Walter Karp entitled "When Bunkers Last in the Backyards Bloom'd" (see link below). This is an excellent report of backyard fallout shelters, with good pictures included. A discussion in class will follow, with the main question being "Do you think your family would have taken part in this kind of preparation for disaster?"
Step 3.
The movie "Red Nightmare" will be shown in class. This 30 minute movie was released in 1962 by Warner Brothers, in conjunction with the US Department of Defense, Information and Education Division; it is an obvious polemic for the government stand on defense in the Cold War Era. (It is still in print and also available free online at (see link below. In five parts, links to other parts on Youtube sidebar)). "Red Nightmare" was narrated by Jack Webb, the star of "Dragnet", a popular TV drama at that time. Other well-known actors were part of the cast. At the conclusion of the film, students will be asked to substitute contemporary actors in those roles. This will be in order to emphasize how easy it would have been to accept the premise of the story, even if it seems silly today.
Step 4.
The April 11 1951 Recorder-Gazette article about actor Will Geer will be read and explained in class. Information about the Hollywood "blacklist" will be discussed.
Step 5.
A paper will be assigned in which students will write about interviews with people who lived during this time. This should emphasize the importance of living primary sources.
Step 6.
Information will be given about the fall of Joseph McCarthy, along with the Sept. 27, 1954 Recorder-Gazette article on the subject.
Step 7.
The multi-part series "The Century With Peter Jennings" is available in many high schools. The segment "Happy Daze" covers this time period. Especially important is how the Red Scare was only one preoccupation of the time; people went on with their lives with fear of the Cold War primarily in the background.
Step 8.
Interviews will be shared, starting off with a discussion of how our local area responded - both in print and in people's own views - to this era in US history.
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