What major event contributed to the credibility loss of McCarthy?

The major event that contributed to the credibility loss of Joseph McCarthy was his allegations against military officials during televised trials. In the early 1950s, McCarthy gained prominence for his aggressive campaign against alleged communists in the United States, leading to a climate of fear and suspicion. However, the turning point came when he accused members of the U.S. Army of being communists, leading to a series of high-profile hearings that were broadcast on television.

During these hearings, McCarthy's aggressive tactics and unfounded allegations were scrutinized publicly. He faced tough questioning from Army counsel Joseph Welch, notably when Welch challenged McCarthy with, "Have you no sense of decency, sir?" This pivotal moment showcased McCarthy's lack of evidence and his overreach in targeting individuals in the military, which led the public to question his integrity and motives. The televised nature of these hearings allowed the American public to witness McCarthy’s demeanor and tactics firsthand, which ultimately eroded his influence and credibility.