"The reason why we find ourselves in a position of impotency is not because our only powerful potential enemy has sent men to invade our shores, but rather because of the traitorous actions of those who have been treated so well by this Nation... I have here in my hand a list of 205 names known to the Secretary of State as being members of the Communist Party." — Senator Joseph McCarthy, Wheeling, West Virginia, February 9, 1950
The outbreak of the Korean War four months after this speech most directly:
- A
Discredited containment as a viable strategy
- Bcheck_circle
Reinforced McCarthy's claims that communism was advancing globally
- C
Prompted U.S. recognition of the People's Republic of China
- D
Led to immediate Senate censure of McCarthy
Explanation
North Korea's invasion in June 1950 appeared to validate fears of expanding communism, strengthening McCarthy's political clout. His censure did not come until 1954, and the U.S. did not recognize the PRC until 1979.