Source A: Excerpt from a speech by Senator Joseph McCarthy, 1950 'The Communist threat is real and present in America. We must root out the subversives and protect our democracy.' Provenance: Speech delivered by Senator Joseph McCarthy in Washington, 1950.

Source B: Political context The Cold War rivalry heightened fears of communism, leading politicians like McCarthy to capitalize on these fears to gain support.

Source C: Social fears

The Red Scare fueled suspicion and paranoia among the American public, making them receptive to anti-communist campaigns.

Source D: Economic instability

Post-war economic challenges created anxiety, which was exploited by McCarthy to justify crackdowns.

Source E: Religious influence

Many Americans saw communism as opposed to religious values, which contributed to anti-communist sentiment.

Questions:

Source F: Testimony of a former victim of McCarthy's investigations 'My career was ruined because I was accused without evidence... I lived in fear for years.' Provenance: Interview with a former government employee, 1960.

Source G: Historian's view 'The rise of McCarthyism was primarily driven by political opportunism during the Cold War, with social fears and economic anxieties playing supporting roles.' Provenance: Modern historian's analysis, 2005.