The role of a leader is an incredibly vital and often challenging job. With leadership comes the responsibility to set an example for followers, provide direction for the masses, and work with fellow leaders improve current situations. However, with the task of leadership also comes the unfortunate matter involving the misuse of power. Too often in history individuals have used said power to turn against those they were meant to protect. While there is a substantial time gap between the two, Benedict Arnold and Joseph McCarthy are two of these individuals. Benedict Arnold and Joseph McCarthy are both well known leaders known in America that used their power in many similar and different ways that granted them the title of being “villainous”
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Although he gained the title of “traitor” in the process, Benedict Arnold played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War. Without the aid of Arnold, many British troops would have avoided being captured and possibly impacted the future outcome of the war. With the spread of “McCarthyism”, Joseph McCarthy was successful in tracking a multitude of Communists he desperately fought against. Despite the fact that many of his claims were proven to be inaccurate, McCarthy’s radical accusations allowed the government to track down and find many individuals who posed threats to America involving the spread of Communism. Along with this, McCarthy caused one of the first political attacks that had the system in a pure state of fear. Due to the paranoia that McCarthy would accuse fellow politicians of Communism, it took a significant amount of time before senate finally stood up in an act to end his power. While their actions may not have been ideal, Arnold and McCarthy still used their role as leaders to change history …show more content…
However, it is clearly obvious that out of the two Joseph McCarthy had a larger impact on American history. Through McCarthy’s accusations of people being involved with Communism, countless people lost their careers and their personal lives were severely impacted. McCarthy created a heightened fear of Communism that caused many people unimaginable scrutiny, and a fear of fellow peers at that time. While Benedict Arnold did betray America, his actions did not cost America the Revolutionary War or any further conflict in the future. McCarthy is the exact opposite in that occasion. Even in the 21st century, the concept of “McCarthyism” is well known and the legacy of Joseph McCarthy lives on in American history. While Arnold is clearly important and greatly impacted America at the time, his impact on American history is not seen in today’s history. Joseph McCarthy made a substantial impact in American history with this Communism scare which still a relevant topic in modern
Although he gained the title of “traitor” in the process, Benedict Arnold played a crucial role during the Revolutionary War. Without the aid of Arnold, many British troops would have avoided being captured and possibly impacted the future outcome of the war. With the spread of “McCarthyism”, Joseph McCarthy was successful in tracking a multitude of Communists he desperately fought against. Despite the fact that many of his claims were proven to be inaccurate, McCarthy’s radical accusations allowed the government to track down and find many individuals who posed threats to America involving the spread of Communism. Along with this, McCarthy caused one of the first political attacks that had the system in a pure state of fear. Due to the paranoia that McCarthy would accuse fellow politicians of Communism, it took a significant amount of time before senate finally stood up in an act to end his power. While their actions may not have been ideal, Arnold and McCarthy still used their role as leaders to change history …show more content…
However, it is clearly obvious that out of the two Joseph McCarthy had a larger impact on American history. Through McCarthy’s accusations of people being involved with Communism, countless people lost their careers and their personal lives were severely impacted. McCarthy created a heightened fear of Communism that caused many people unimaginable scrutiny, and a fear of fellow peers at that time. While Benedict Arnold did betray America, his actions did not cost America the Revolutionary War or any further conflict in the future. McCarthy is the exact opposite in that occasion. Even in the 21st century, the concept of “McCarthyism” is well known and the legacy of Joseph McCarthy lives on in American history. While Arnold is clearly important and greatly impacted America at the time, his impact on American history is not seen in today’s history. Joseph McCarthy made a substantial impact in American history with this Communism scare which still a relevant topic in modern