why was senator mccarthy able to exert so much power in the early 1950s?

Answer 1

There were probably enough factors at work to warrant several thick books to explain. My fascination is with the workings of the military industrial complex. To keep it running and growing the U.S. needs a worthy opponent. In the '50s it was the Soviet Union and, by extension Communism. When the Government and media do a really good job of selling paranoia it starts to catch. Some people are primed for it and very restless in times of peace. That's when people like McCarthy (or Bush) can ride high on people's penchant for panic.

Answer 2

In the 1950s Communism was the equivalent of terrorism today. So just like Bush & the GOP use terrorism to scare the living daylights out of the American public (so that they can get whatever they want) McCarthy use the same strategy only his weapon of choice was calling anyone he didn't like a communist (and with or without evidence) the public believed him. Today's Republicans use the exact same methods McCarthy used only instead of calling people "commies" they call their adversaries "terrorist sympathizers".

Answer 3

One of the reasons was because there were Communists in this country attempting to destroy America. While there were fantastic abuses of so called "McCarthyism", there were many found who were an actual threat to the country. Fear is indeed a reason for the power he enjoyed, but it was a well founded fear over real threats.

Answer 4

americans seem to be peculiarly gullible to politicos who tell them shapeless terror stories to exert excessive control. McCarthy did then what Bush and crew are doing now, and the people believe whatever silly lies they are told.

Answer 5

Fear.Having lived in this country after 9/11 you sure understand