Arthur Miller and McCarthyism

Overwhelmed by post-war paranoia and intolerance, Miller began work on the third of his major plays. Though it was clearly an indictment of the McCarthyism of the early 1950s, “The Crucible” was set in Salem during the witch-hunts of the late 17th century. The play, which deals with extraordinary tragedy in ordinary lives, expanded Miller’s voice and his concern for the physical and psychological well-being of the working class. They also called it in many history books "The McCarthy Witch Hunt". 

Within three years, Miller was called before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, and convicted of contempt of Congress for not co-operating.