"The Crucible" is a social commentary of McCarthyism, or widespread hysteria across the US during the Cold War. During this time, many people were paranoid that there were spies working undercover for the Soviet Union, which led to outrageous accusations among innocent people. The play makes parallels to McCarthyism, because it depicts a similar hysteria breaking out across Salem during the Witch Trials, in which paranoia and fear led to false accusations with horrific consequences.