Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, serving from 1947 until his death in 1957. He became widely known in the early 1950s for his aggressive campaign against alleged communists in the government and other institutions, a period often referred to as the McCarthy era. His tactics included making unsubstantiated accusations, which led to widespread fear and paranoia about communism in America. McCarthy's influence peaked during the Red Scare, a time when many Americans were concerned about the spread of communism. However, his methods were increasingly criticized for being reckless and damaging to individuals' reputations. In 1954, his influence waned after a televised hearing, leading to his censure by the Senate.