Review

In the begining of this second edition of The Age of McCarthyism, a narrative history with documents, Ellen Schrecker clearly states the thesis that dominates it. She argues that, while the notorious Senator Joseph McCarthy lent his name to this era, he played only a small part in the phenomenon that engulfed America far longer than the four years that the senator was on center stage. But "his antics distracted the attention of contemporaries and historians and caused them to overlook the more profound and enduring aspects of the anti-Communist crusade of the 1940s and 1950s." (p, 2) What they overlooked were the more important roles played by figures such as Federal Bureau of Investigations Director J. Edgar Hoover and President Harry S. Truman. The anti-Communist activity that their actions and policies fostered, which had the support of America's political and social elite in the federal government as well as in public and private institutions, led to the "most extensive episode of political repression in American history." (p. 2) Ironically, all of this happened at a time when the American Communist movement was in decline—the party dwindled to no more than 50,000 members—and Communist espionage, which had been active before and during World War II, had virtually come to an end. The threat that was at the center of anti-Communist concerns was a thing of the past. From this perspective, Schrecker seeks to understand McCarthyism by trying to see the events of this age through the eyes of those who were involved.	1
The first part of the book is a narrative that in brief, succinct chapters presents an overview of the McCarthy era. Beginning with a chapter on the origins and evolution of the American Communist Party, the author proceeds to treat relevant topics reflecting McCarthyism's influence on both government and society. Cold War national security concerns, the Truman administration's loyalty-security program, and the major espionage trials all receive consideration. Congressional committee investigations, especially the activities of the House Committee on Un-American Activities, and a segment on Senator Joseph McCarthy himself, expose the role of the congressional branch. Other chapters treat how the hysteria affected American society. Topics include the impact of investigations and repression on front organizations and radical unions, the effect of blacklists and other sanctions on the lives of citizens, how anti-communist efforts trickled down to the state and local level, and the role played by American liberals. Schrecker concludes this part with a short chapter assessing McCarthyism's legacy in which she ventures an argument that she has expounded in some of her other works. "McCarthyism's main impact," she asserts, "may well have been in what did not happen rather than in what did—the social reforms that were never adopted, the diplomatic initiatives that were not pursued, the workers who were not organized into unions, the books that were not written, and the movies that were never filmed." (p. 105) The American left was a major casualty of this phenomenon.	2
Schrecker's choice of documents for the second part reinforces the points she makes in her narrative. Writings and reminiscences of Communist party members and works of fervent anti-Communists, such as national American Legion commander James F. O'Neill and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, present the perspectives of both sides in the controversy. Government documents, such as Truman's Executive Order 9835 that set up the administration's loyalty-security program and excerpts from congressional investigative committee hearings, such as the notorious House Committee on Un-American Activities, illustrate the role of the federal government. Victims of congressional probes, such as Lillian Hellman, are also represented. Most of these documents are the same as in the first edition. But this new volume does add important recently released new information on the Alger Hiss and Rosenburg espionage cases. This includes relevant selections from the Venona telegrams, intercepted cable traffic between spies working out of various Soviet missions in the United States and Moscow during World War II, which was decrypted over the years and finally declassified in 1995, as well as some declassified FBI materials.	3
The Age of McCarthyism can be a valuable resource for the classroom. Schrecker certainly develops a theme that may be challenged by other historians. But, especially in the document section, she presents a balanced overview of the anti-Communist phenomenon that includes diverse viewpoints. This leaves much room for students to weigh the historical record and reach their own conclusions. Schrecker accomplishes her stated goal to see the era through the eyes of those who lived through it.	4
Saint Louis University T. Michael Ruddy

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