Which senator became the figurehead of the Second Red Scare?

The correct choice highlights Joseph McCarthy as the figurehead of the Second Red Scare, a period in the early to mid-1950s characterized by intense fear of communist infiltration in the United States. McCarthy, a Republican senator from Wisconsin, gained notoriety for his aggressive tactics in accusing individuals, particularly government officials and prominent figures in Hollywood, of being communists or communist sympathizers without substantial evidence. His name became synonymous with the era's atmosphere of paranoia, leading to a widespread climate of fear and the suppression of dissenting opinions.

McCarthy's actions included sensational hearings and public accusations that often ruined reputations and careers, marking a significant moment in American history reflecting the intersection of political, social, and cultural anxieties during the Cold War. This climate of fear contributed to the broader narrative of American identity in the context of anti-communism and government suspicion, ultimately leading to McCarthy's downfall as his tactics were increasingly criticized by the public and the media.

Other historical figures mentioned, such as Truman and Johnson, were prominent leaders during the Cold War but did not define the Second Red Scare in the same way McCarthy did. Truman indeed played a significant role in shaping Cold War policy, but he was not a central figure in