Describes how Joseph McCarthy and his associates tarnished reputations and ruined lives as they investigated potential communists and Soviet spies in the 1950s, how the "witch-hunt" ended, and its consequences.

A divided world -- The rise of Joseph McCarthy -- McCarthy and the FBI -- The American Communist Party -- McCarthyism : the "Witch Hunt" begins -- "I Have in My Hand a List--" -- J. Edgar Hoover -- The House Un-American Activities Committee -- The First and Fifth Amendments -- How well do I know my neighbor? -- The balance tips -- The Truman Doctrine -- Nuclear spies : the threat made real -- Korea erupts -- Alger Hiss vs. Whittaker Chambers -- The Hollywood blacklist -- Proving loyalty -- McCarthy goes too far -- Fighting McCarthy -- McCarthyism after McCarthy -- Timeline.