The McCarthy Era

The McCarthy Era refers to a period in the early 1950s in the United States marked by intense suspicion and accusation of communism, primarily led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. It was characterized by aggressive investigations and hearings aimed at uncovering alleged communist sympathizers within the government and broader society, leading to fears, blacklisting, and loss of employment for many. The era is often seen as a time when civil liberties were compromised due to the fear of communism, ultimately leading to a backlash against McCarthy's tactics and a reevaluation of freedom of expression and association in America.