How did the Cold War fears affect Americans civil liberties during the 1950's?

During the 1950s, Cold War fears led to heightened suspicion and paranoia in the United States, significantly impacting civil liberties. The government initiated widespread investigations into alleged communist affiliations, exemplified by the McCarthy hearings, which often resulted in baseless accusations and the blacklisting of individuals in various sectors. This climate of fear curtailed freedom of speech and association, as many Americans felt pressured to conform or risk persecution. As a result, civil liberties were frequently compromised in the name of national security and anti-communism.