\begin{tabular}{l} What led to the political downfall of Joseph McCarthy's crusade against communists within the \\ U.S. government? \\ \begin{tabular}{l} Correct Answer(s) \\ \( \begin{array}{l}\text { He accused the U.S. Army of harboring } \\ \text { communists. }\end{array} \) \\ \( \begin{array}{l}\text { In retaliation for her "declaration of } \\ \text { conscience" speech, he accused Margaret } \\ \text { Chase Smith of being a communist. }\end{array} \) \\ \hline\end{tabular} \\ \hline\end{tabular}

Joseph McCarthy's political downfall can be traced back to a pivotal moment when he accused the U.S. Army of harboring communists during televised hearings in 1954. This bold claim backfired, as the public and media began to see him as a bully rather than a patriot, which turned sentiment against him. The Army-McCarthy hearings showcased a dramatic clash that revealed his tactics, thus weakening his credibility and authority. Another significant factor in McCarthy's decline was his ill-fated attack on Senator Margaret Chase Smith, following her famous "declaration of conscience" speech, where she criticized his methods. By labeling her a communist sympathizer, he not only alienated a respected figure within the Senate but also galvanized opposition against him. This ultimately led to a diminishing support base, culminating in his condemnation by the Senate in 1954.