How did the political environment of the 1950's influence Arthur Miller to write the

The red scare, during which people were grilled by Congress as to their political affiliations and the affiliations of their friends.

Just like the witch hunts in the Crucible, people were forced to inform on their friends and coworkers. Many people were accused, had their lives wrecked, and were even jailed in the hysteria.
 
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House Un-American Activities Committee
Communist Party in the US
Senator Joseph McCarthy
Blacklisting
The act of accusing a person of being a Communist, in the minds of many citizens, made them a Communist, and anyone who was associated with them got the same treatment. Artists were put on a "black list" in Hollywood for example, and were never hired to write, direct or act. Senator Joe McCarthy ("Tailgunner Joe") was the chief accuser.
Compare this to the girls in "The Crucible" simply accusing people of practicing witchcraft and having them imprisoned and hanged.
 
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