Joseph McCarthy

Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. Senator during the 1950s, known for spearheading a campaign against alleged communists in the government and other sectors, a period called McCarthyism. He claimed that numerous communists had infiltrated American institutions, leading to investigations and accusations without proper evidence. His tactics included intimidation and reckless allegations, causing fear and paranoia. While initially gaining public support, his influence waned after the televised Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where he was seen as bullying witnesses. Eventually, he was censured by the Senate, and his legacy is often associated with the dangers of political persecution and unchecked power.