Final answer:
Many Americans initially believed Senator McCarthy's accusations due to the widespread fear of communism, McCarthy's manipulative tactics, and the reluctance of other politicians to challenge his claims. His continual failure to substantiate those claims, as well as resistance from journalists and public figures, eventually eroded public trust, leading to his censure in the Senate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Many Americans Believed McCarthy's Accusations
In the early 1950s, many Americans were swayed by Senator Joseph McCarthy's accusations due to the climate of fear and paranoia surrounding communism during the Cold War. Amidst high-profile espionage cases and the Korean War, McCarthy capitalized on the nation's anxieties by claiming to have a list of Communists within the U.S. government. His accusations were broad and lacked evidence, a tactic that made them difficult to disprove and echoed the public's fear of subversion.
The senator's inability to produce verifiable information was eventually overshadowed by his bullying tactics and the evident lack of substance behind his claims. Nevertheless, prominent figures, including politicians within his own party, hesitated to defy McCarthy since doing so could make them targets themselves and endanger their political careers. As a result, McCarthyism became synonymous with making unfounded allegations of disloyalty, often without regard for evidence or due process.
It was not until prominent journalists like Edward Murrow and figures such as Joseph Welch challenged McCarthy's methods that public opinion began to shift. Finally, McCarthy's confrontation with the U.S. Army, which was broadcast on national television, coupled with his subsequent Senate censure, led to his downfall. McCarthy continued to make baseless claims up until his power waned and he faced criticism and loss of support.