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 Inscribed in Flesh: The Cultural Meanings of Ancient Body Modification November 20, 2025 Peril on the Table: Dangerous Foods and Risky Eating in the Medieval Era November 20, 2025 Bloodlines: Ancient and Medieval Roots of the Modern Emergence of Eugenics November 19, 2025