U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy falsely charged that the State Department was riddled with Communists. It seems that just about everyone else the Wisconsin senator didn’t like was a Communist as well, including scores of unionists. This was the beginning of "McCarthyism." He ultimately was officially condemned by the senate and died of alcoholism - 1950

A 3-cent postage stamp is issued, honoring AFL founder Samuel Gompers - 1950

The Upholsterers International Union merges into the United Steelworkers - 1949