Refers to Joseph McCarthy, a US senator known for his anti-communist crusade during the early years of the Cold War. He led investigations into alleged communist infiltration within various sectors of American society.
Related terms
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC): A congressional committee that investigated alleged communist activities within the United States during the Cold War.
McCarthyism: The practice of making unfounded accusations or using unfair investigative methods to target individuals suspected of being communists or sympathizers.
Blacklist: A list created by private organizations or government agencies identifying individuals who were believed to have communist ties, resulting in them being denied employment opportunities.