College of San Mateo History Essay

Chose two questions and answer 200 words each

The “Declaration of Conscience” was the first open disavowal of Senator Joseph McCarthy and HUAC in the 1950s. According to Senator Margaret Chase Smith, what principles of Americanism are being violated in the US Senate? Why do you think Senator Margaret Chase Smith emphasizes that “I speak as a Republican. I speak as a woman. I speak as a United States Senator. I speak as an American” in her speech?

In retaliation to Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience Speech”, Senator Joseph McCarthy removed Sen Chase Smith from her position on the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (giving her seat to Richard Nixon) and in 1954 financed an opponent in an (unsuccessful) primary challenge against her. How does Sen McCarthy’s retaliation strengthen Sen Chase Smith’s argument that “Freedom of speech is not what it used to be in America?”

What opportunities did the GI Bill provide to World War II veterans? What obstacles did Black veterans face when they tried to receive GI Bill benefits?

According to Edward Humes, which people and institutions were responsible for the “deliberate sabotage of America’s first color-blind social program”?

Why were gay and lesbian government workers and military personnel considered a national “security risk” during the early-Cold War?

Were you surprised by the tactics that the FBI and the government to track down gay men and lesbians during the Lavender Scare? Why or why not?