The McCarthy hearings were a series of investigations led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950s. These hearings aimed to uncover alleged communist influences within the U.S. government and other institutions during the Cold War. McCarthy's aggressive tactics and accusations created a climate of fear and suspicion, leading to many individuals losing their jobs and reputations. The hearings were part of a broader movement known as McCarthyism, which sought to root out communism in American society. Critics argued that McCarthy's methods violated civil liberties and due process, ultimately leading to his censure by the Senate in 1954, marking a decline in his influence.