Joseph H. McCarthy

Joseph H. McCarthy was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin active in the early 1950s. He became widely known for claiming that communist spies had infiltrated the U.S. government and other institutions. His aggressive tactics and accusations, often without concrete evidence, led to a period called “McCarthyism,” characterized by fear, suspicion, and political persecution. While his actions initially gained him support, they eventually caused public and political backlash, damaging reputations and undermining civil liberties. McCarthy’s legacy remains controversial, symbolizing how fear and misinformation can distort democratic processes.