Senator Joseph McCarthy from Wisconsin spread the fear of Communism into Americans by using what became known as McCarthyism- the practice of accusing people of Communist sympathies without any evidence. This era can be compared to the Salem Witch Hunt of the late 1600's. Really, though McCarthy capitalized on the fear of Communism to make him seem more popular because he was a very hated senator and would not be reelected in the next race for the Senate.