Joseph G. McCarthy

Joseph G. McCarthy was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin during the early 1950s, known for his controversial anti-communist campaigns. He led aggressive investigations into alleged communist infiltration in the government and other institutions. His tactics, often characterized by fear-mongering and unfounded accusations, fueled a nationwide hysteria known as McCarthyism. This period was marked by a heightened fear of communism in the U.S., leading to the persecution of many innocent people. McCarthy's influence waned after a publicized Senate hearing in 1954, where his aggressive methods were criticized, ultimately leading to his censure by the Senate.