What does McCarthyism refer to?

McCarthyism specifically refers to a period during the early 1950s characterized by heightened fears of communist influence in the United States, where Senator Joseph McCarthy played a pivotal role. This era is marked by a campaign of accusations against individuals, particularly in the government, entertainment, and education sectors, accusing them of being communists or communist sympathizers without proper evidence or due process. The term embodies the broader atmosphere of suspicion, fear, and the violation of civil liberties that defined the Red Scare, leading to widespread effects on American society, including blacklisting and the loss of jobs for many accused individuals.

The other options relate to significant social movements and issues but do not capture the essence of McCarthyism. A campaign against poverty does not align with the fear-driven anti-communist ideology of the 1950s. A movement for civil rights pertains to the struggle for African American equality, which, while contemporaneous, is distinct from the anti-communist sentiment. Strikes for labor rights focus on labor disputes and workers' rights rather than the political accusations associated with McCarthyism.