Joe D. McCarthy was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, serving from 1947 until his death in 1957. He is best known for his role in the anti-communist movement during the early Cold War, particularly for his aggressive investigations into alleged communist infiltration in the U.S. government and other institutions. This period, known as McCarthyism, was marked by heightened political repression and a culture of fear. McCarthy's tactics included making unsubstantiated accusations and conducting public hearings, which often led to ruined reputations and careers. His influence waned after the televised Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where his aggressive questioning was widely criticized. Ultimately, he was censured by the Senate and died in relative obscurity.