HISTORY This Week: "Was Ethel Rosenberg A Spy?"

Episode Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: The HISTORY® Channel | Back Pocket Studios

Introduction to the Rosenberg Trial

The episode "Was Ethel Rosenberg A Spy?" delves deep into one of the most controversial espionage cases in American history. Hosted by Sally Helm, the podcast explores whether Ethel Rosenberg, the only woman executed for espionage in U.S. history, was genuinely involved in spying activities or unjustly convicted.

Background on Ethel and Julius Rosenberg

Ethel Rosenberg, born Ethel Greenglass on the Lower East Side of New York City, grew up in extreme poverty. Her early life was marked by hardship, including her family's tenement living conditions and the Great Depression's impact, which shaped her political awakening. Ethel's father hailed from Minsk, Belarus, and the family's struggles fostered a belief in communism as a solution to capitalism's failures.

In 1939, Ethel married Julius Rosenberg, a committed communist and civilian engineer in the U.S. Army. Their union was not just personal but also political, bound by their shared ideologies and activism against fascism. Together, they engaged in various communist causes, including fundraising to oppose Franco in the Spanish Civil War.

The Espionage Accusations

By the early 1940s, as global tensions escalated into World War II and subsequently the Cold War, Julius Rosenberg became involved in espionage, passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. Ethel's role, however, remained ambiguous. While Julius actively recruited spies, including Ethel's brother, David Greenglass, evidence suggested varying degrees of her involvement.

Notable Quote:
Anne Seba (Author of Ethel: An American Tragedy):
"I wanted to extrapolate Ethel. I wanted to tell the story of a woman's life that was so brutally cut short."
— [08:58]

The Trial and Key Testimonies

In 1950, amidst the burgeoning Cold War, the Rosenbergs were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit espionage. The prosecution, led by U.S. Attorney Irving Saypol and his deputy Roy Cohn, aimed to portray both Ethel and Julius as equal conspirators. The case was heavily reliant on the testimony of David Greenglass, Ethel's brother, who implicated Julius and, by extension, Ethel.

David's testimony was pivotal yet contentious. Initially cooperating with prosecutors to receive a reduced sentence, David later recanted some of his statements, revealing that parts of his testimony, especially concerning Ethel's involvement, were fabricated.

Notable Quote:
Roy Cohn:
"Every man knew somebody in his family who was a typist. If you couldn't trust the typist in your life, who could you trust?"
— [26:12]

Verdict and Execution

After a highly publicized trial, the jury found both Ethel and Julius Rosenberg guilty of espionage on November 1, 1951. Despite significant doubts about the strength of the evidence against Ethel, the couple was sentenced to death. Their executions took place on June 19, 1953, solidifying their legacy as controversial figures in American history.

Venona Project and Later Revelations

Years later, the release of the Venona cables—decrypted Soviet intelligence messages—cast new light on the Rosenberg case. While these documents referenced Julius extensively under the codename "Liberal" and briefly mentioned Ethel, interpretations of her involvement remained divided. Some experts argue that the cables indicate minimal involvement from Ethel, suggesting she was more a supportive spouse than an active participant in espionage.

Notable Quote:
Anne Seba:
"The two men who decrypted these cables added a memo in which they add, 'does not work' means that she's not involved in spying."
— [32:55]

Perspectives from the Rosenberg Children

The personal toll of the trial is poignantly captured through interviews with Ethel and Julius's sons, Robert and Michael Meeropol. As children during their parents' imprisonment and execution, they offer a contrasting view to the vilified image portrayed in the media and by prosecutors. Their reflections emphasize their parents' humanity, love, and the complexities of their legacy.

Notable Quote:
Michael Meeropol:
"The idea that they are a unit and that they are inseparable... they were a unit fighting back together."
— [41:54]

Conclusion: Ethel Rosenberg's Legacy

The episode concludes by challenging the simplistic narrative of Ethel Rosenberg as merely a traitor. Instead, it portrays her as a multifaceted individual— a mother, wife, and a woman caught in the tumultuous political climates of her time. The ongoing debate about her true involvement in espionage reflects broader discussions about justice, loyalty, and the complexities of historical narrative.

Notable Quote:
Robert Meeropol:
"I would much rather be the child of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg now than the child of David and Ruth Greenglass."
— [41:11]

Final Reflections

"Was Ethel Rosenberg A Spy?" offers a nuanced exploration of a tragic chapter in American history. By intertwining historical facts, personal testimonies, and later revelations, the podcast invites listeners to reconsider preconceived notions and understand the human stories behind the headlines.

Credits:
Special Thanks to Anne Seba, author of Ethel: An American Tragedy, and Michael and Robert Meeropol, sons of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg.
Produced by Ben Dickstein, Sound Design by Dan Rosado, Story Editing by Mary Knoff, and additional production by Julie McGruder, Julia Press, Emma Fredericks, McCamey Lynn, and Jesse Katz.

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