Joe 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 and accusations against alleged communists in the government and other sectors. This period, known as McCarthyism, was marked by heightened fears of communist influence in America. McCarthy's tactics often involved making unsubstantiated claims and creating a climate of fear, leading to many individuals being blacklisted or losing their jobs. His influence began to wane after the televised Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where his aggressive questioning was widely criticized. Ultimately, he was censured by the Senate and his reputation suffered significantly.