McCarthyism Archives - Zinn Education Project

Nov. 13, 1953: Call to Ban Robin Hood in Indiana Schools

Mrs. White of the Indiana Textbook Commission called for a ban of Robin Hood in all school books for promoting communism.

The Green Feather Movement

Article. By Alison Kysia. 2013. History of a little-known student resistance movement against McCarthyism and censorship.

Teaching Activity by Alison Kysia

Anne Braden: Southern Patriot

Film. Produced by Anne Lewis. 75 min. 2012. Documentary about Southern activist Anne Braden.

Tracked in America

Website. Explores the historical context and stories of individuals who have been targets of U.S. government surveillance during the 20th century.

Scandalize My Name

Film. Directed by Alexandra Isles. 2000. 60 minutes. Documentary about the impact of the McCarthy era on African Americans in the film industry.

A Peoples History of the United States Book | Zinn Education Project

A People’s History of the United States: 1492 – Present

Books - Non-fiction. By Howard Zinn. 2005, with a new introduction by Anthony Arnove in 2015. 784 pages. Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work on U.S. history. This book details lives and facts rarely included in textbooks—an indispensable teacher and student resource.

Salt of the Earth

Film. By Herbert Biberman. 1954. 94 minutes. This classic, powerful film about a miners strike in New Mexico can be used to teach about the intersection of class, race, national origin, and gender.

Voices of a People’s History of the United States (Book, 10th anniv.) | Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History

Voices of a People’s History of the United States, 10th Anniversary Edition

Book - Non-fiction. Edited by Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove. 2014. 704 pages. Speeches, letters, poems, and songs for each chapter of A People's History of the United States.

Salt of the Earth: Grounds Students in Hope

Teaching Activity. By S.J. Childs. Rethinking Schools. The author describes how she introduces students to the classic 1953 film, Salt of the Earth, about a miners’ strike in New Mexico.

World War II and McCarthyism

Teaching Activity. By Gayle Olson-Raymer. Questions and teaching ideas for Chapter 16 of Voices of a People's History of the United States on domestic opposition to the "good war" and the impact of McCarthyism.

Catch a Tiger by the Toe

Book - Fiction. By Ellen Levine. 2005. 176 pages. A historical novel for middle school on McCarthyism.

June 9, 1954: Joseph Welch Confronts Sen. Joseph McCarthy

Joseph N. Welch confronted Sen. Joseph McCarthy about allegations of communists in the U.S. Army.

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (photo) | Zinn Education Project

March 29, 1951: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Convicted of Espionage

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage.

McCarthy State Dep't | Zinn Education Project

Feb. 9, 1950: Sen. Joseph McCarthy Announces “Enemies Within”

Senator Joseph McCarthy delivered a speech at the McLure Hotel during which he claimed to hold a list of known communists in the U.S. State Department.