What role did Joseph McCarthy play in the red scare?

Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. Senator who became a central figure in the second Red Scare during the early 1950s. He led a campaign against alleged communists in the government and other sectors, promoting a climate of fear and suspicion known as McCarthyism. His tactics included making unsubstantiated accusations and conducting highly publicized hearings, which often ruined lives and careers. McCarthy's influence ultimately waned after his aggressive tactics were exposed, particularly during the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954.