The Idea of “Conspiracy” in McCarthy-Era Politics January 5, 2021 1 min read Conspiracy theories constituted the political software of many cycles of American politics. By Dr. Richard M. FriedProfessor Emeritus of HistoryUniversity of Illinois at Chicago 122620-68-History-Red-Scare Originally published by Prologue (Spring 2002), the United States National Archives and Records Administration, to the public domain. About the Author Matthew McIntosh Administrator Visit Website View All Posts What do you feel about this? 0% Love 0% Funny 0% Wow 0% Sad 0% Angry Post navigation Previous: “Jitterbugs” and “Crack-pots”: Responses in 1938 to “War of the Worlds”Next: The Psychology of Fairness: Why Some Americans Don’t Believe Election Results Related Stories How the Nuremberg Code to Prosecute Nazis Shaped Medical Ethics September 10, 2025 Poop Party: Going to the Bathroom in Ancient Rome September 10, 2025 Bread, Rot, and Remedy: Ancient Civilizations and the Hidden Curative Power of Mold September 10, 2025