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During the early 1950's the hangman ^{of social protest} operating with the Cold War troops was McCarthyism. For years it decimated social organizations, throttled free expression, and intimidated into bleak silence not only liberal and radicals but men in high and protected places. A very small bo^and of courageous people fought back, braving ostracism, slander and loss of livelihood. Gradually and painfully, [-/⁵ ] however, the democratic instinct of America was awakened, and the ideological brute force was routed.

However, McCarthyism left a legacy of social paralysis. Fear persisted through succeeding years, and social reform remained inhibited and defensive. A blanket of conformity and intimidation conditioned