Joseph McCarthy
Joseph Raymond McCarthy (November 14, 1908 – May 2, 1957) was an American politician. He was a Republican U.S. Senator from the state of Wisconsin from 1947 until his death in 1957. Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of a period of intense anti-communist suspicion inspired by the tensions of the Cold War.
Joseph McCarthy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Senator from Wisconsin | |
| In office January 3, 1947 – May 2, 1957 | |
| Preceded by | Robert M. La Follette Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William Proxmire |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joseph Raymond McCarthy November 14, 1908 Grand Chute, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | May 2, 1957 (aged 48) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Resting place | Saint Mary's Cemetery Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (1944–1957) |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic (c. 1936–1944) |
| Spouse(s) |
Jean Fraser Kerr Minetti
(m. 1953) |
| Children | Tierney Elizabeth McCarthy |
| Education | University of Wisconsin Marquette University Law School (LL.B.) |
| Profession | Attorney, judge, politician |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Nickname(s) | Tail-Gunner Joe |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  U.S. Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942–45 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
He made Americans aware that there were large numbers of Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers inside the federal government and elsewhere. The term "McCarthyism," coined in 1950 in reference to McCarthy's practices, was soon applied to similar anti-communist pursuits.
During World War II he was a captain in the United States Marine Corps.
McCarthy died of hepatitis at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Other websites
changeMedia related to Joseph Raymond McCarthy at Wikimedia Commons
Quotations related to Joseph McCarthy at Wikiquote
- United States Congress. "Joseph McCarthy (id: M000315)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2008-07-11
| United States Senate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Robert M. La Follette Jr. |
United States Senator (Class 1) from Wisconsin 1947–1957 Served alongside: Alexander Wiley |
Succeeded by William Proxmire |
| Preceded by John L. McClellan |
Chairman of Senate Government Operations Committee 1953–1955 |
Succeeded by John L. McClellan |
| Honorary titles | ||
| Preceded by William F. Knowland |
Baby of the Senate 1947–1948 |
Succeeded by Russell B. Long |