The Green Feather Movement
Article. By Alison Kysia. 2013.
History of a little-known student resistance movement against McCarthyism and censorship.
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McCarthyism
Here are resources for teaching about McCarthyism, including a historical fiction chapter book for middle school. The focus of these resources is the impact of McCarthyism on the labor movement and the Civil Rights Movement.
Anne Braden: Southern Patriot
Film. Produced by Anne Lewis. 75 min. 2012.
Documentary about Southern activist Anne Braden.
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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.
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Scandalize My Name: Stories From the Blacklist
Film. Directed by Alexandra Isles. 2000. 60 minutes.
Documentary about the impact of the McCarthy era on African Americans in the film industry.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Catch a Tiger by the Toe
Book - Fiction. By Ellen Levine. 2005. 176 pages.
A historical novel for middle school on McCarthyism.
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Aug. 16, 1955: Paul Robeson Lost Court Appeal
Paul Robeson lost his court appeal to have the U.S. State Department grant him a passport.
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June 15, 1955: Protest of Nuclear Attack Drills
When the Civil Defense Administration attempted to hold a drill simulating a nuclear attack, 27 activists in New York refused to take cover. They handed out pamphlets reading: "We will not obey this order to pretend, to evacuate, to hide... We refuse to cooperate."
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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.
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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.
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March 29, 1951: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Convicted of Espionage
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage.
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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.
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