Podcast Summary: "The Rosenbergs"
Stuff You Should Know
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Rosenbergs," hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve deep into one of the most controversial espionage cases of the Cold War era—the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. This detailed exploration examines the complexities surrounding their alleged involvement in espionage activities for the Soviet Union, the legal proceedings that led to their execution, and the enduring legacy of their case in American history.

Early Life of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg

The Rosenbergs, Julius and Ethel, were both born and raised in New York City. Ethel Rosenberg, born in 1915, attended Seward Park High School and developed a passion for theater, often performing at union events to add a touch of entertainment. Julius Rosenberg, a few years younger, born in 1918 to Polish immigrant parents, also attended Seward Park High School. Their paths crossed when Julius was enrolled at City College, and Ethel was working as a secretary, marking the beginning of their partnership both personally and ideologically.

[06:10] Chuck Bryant: "They had very similar views. This wasn't like it didn't take a lot of persuading, from what I understand."

Their shared commitment to communist ideals led them to join various leftist organizations. Julius was notably active, joining the Steinmet Society, an affiliate of the Young Communist League, and forming connections with like-minded individuals such as Morten Sobel and Max Elichter.

Involvement in Communism and Espionage

Julius Rosenberg's involvement in espionage began in the early 1940s. After being hired as an engineer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1940, he became disillusioned with fascism and, driven by his anti-fascist sentiments, he sought ways to undermine it, which he rationalized as a fight against a greater evil despite betraying his country.

[08:06] Josh Clark: "He had one minor brush with the FBI. In 1941, he was called into what's called a loyalty meeting... but he was like, I'm not even into politics that much, which is a lie, right?"

By 1942, Julius and Ethel moved to the Lower East Side, settling in Knickerbocker Village, where they continued their communist activities and began forming a spy network. Julius's recruitment into Soviet espionage reportedly involved direct contact with Soviet agents, although accounts vary. One account suggests that Julius proactively approached the Soviet embassy to offer his services as a spy, demonstrating his eagerness to contribute.

[12:32] Josh Clark: "Julius and Ethel were a married couple... being Jewish and coming off the heels of World War II... you cannot execute this woman."

Julius began passing critical military information to the Soviets, including details about the proximity fuse, a vital component for anti-aircraft weaponry. His espionage activities were instrumental in advancing Soviet capabilities during World War II.

Arrest and Investigation

The downfall of the Rosenbergs began with the unraveling of their spy network in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In February 1950, British physicist Klaus Fuchs, a high-ranking Soviet spy, was arrested and subsequently implicated others within the espionage ring, including Harry Gold and David Greenglass, Ethel's brother-in-law.

[16:38] Chuck Bryant: "He would basically just... He was putting himself out there."

On June 15, 1950, David Greenglass was apprehended and, under intense FBI questioning, implicated Julius Rosenberg in passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. Despite initial denials, Greenglass's testimony linked Julius to the espionage activities, setting the stage for further investigations.

Trial and Prosecution

By mid-1950, with mounting evidence from Greenglass's testimony and the covert information from the Venona cables—intercepted and decrypted Soviet communications—the FBI proceeded to arrest Julius Rosenberg on July 17, followed by Ethel Rosenberg on August 11, 1950. Both were charged with conspiracy to commit espionage under the Espionage Act of 1917.

[21:11] Josh Clark: "They could only use them as background information and then they had to extract these confessions and piece together like as if those things didn't exist."

The trial, led by fervent anti-communist prosecutors such as Roy Cohn, was swift and heavily influenced by the prevailing Cold War hysteria. The judge, Ervin Kaufman, known for his harsh stance against communists, presided over the proceedings with little sympathy for the defendants.

[37:04] Josh Clark: "Which means it could be wrong, but yeah."

The prosecution's case hinged on testimonies from various witnesses, including former spies like Elizabeth Bentley and Harry Gold, who provided damning accounts of the Rosenbergs' activities. Despite the gravity of the charges, the Rosenbergs maintained their innocence throughout the trial.

Public Reaction and Appeals

The verdict of guilty came in March 1951, with Julius and Ethel Rosenberg sentenced to death by electric chair. This decision sparked widespread controversy and debate, both domestically and internationally. Prominent figures such as Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and members of the Jewish community vocally opposed the death sentences, arguing that the evidence against Ethel was insufficient and that the executions were unjust.

[35:42] Chuck Bryant: "In 2001, David Greenglass said, yeah, I lied about my sister because I wanted to save my own wife."

Multiple appeals were filed in an attempt to overturn the convictions, but these were largely unsuccessful. Notably, the Supreme Court delayed the executions for several years, allowing public sentiment to shift somewhat in favor of clemency. However, these efforts were ultimately unable to prevent the Rosenbergs' execution.

Execution and Aftermath

On June 19, 1953, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed, becoming the first American civilians to be put to death for espionage against the United States. Their execution was met with international condemnation and remains a contentious chapter in American legal history.

[48:39] Chuck Bryant: "They were put to death at 8pm and that judge was a real SOB."

Their sons, Robert and Michael Rosenberg, were subsequently adopted by Anne and Abel Meeropol. Both sons spent much of their lives attempting to clear their parents' names, contending that Ethel's involvement was minimal or nonexistent. It wasn't until the release of the Venona cables in the 1990s that substantial evidence surfaced confirming Julius's active role in espionage, although debates about Ethel's involvement continue.

Legacy and Historical Impact

The Rosenberg case remains a pivotal moment in the annals of American espionage and Cold War history. It underscores the intense fear of communism that permeated American society and judicial systems during the mid-20th century. The case also highlights issues related to judicial fairness, the reliability of testimonial evidence under duress, and the use of the death penalty in politically charged cases.

The ongoing debates and scholarly reassessments of the Rosenbergs' culpability and the proportionality of their punishment continue to influence discussions about justice and governmental power in the United States.

[52:29] Chuck Bryant: "Best not to examine that one."

Notable Quotes

• Chuck Bryant (04:33): "This is a very big deal for a few reasons... executing these two people with two young sons when no one else was getting executed for this at the time was a travesty of justice."

• Josh Clark (05:44): "They got caught up in Cold War communist hysteria, and we're basically put into a deadly game of chicken."

• Josh Clark (11:17): "But I saw that one of the things he was well known for, it's like he hated fascism so much that he would like be seen walking down the street and be like, 'I hate you, fascism.'"

• Josh Clark (35:50): "They were immediate to execute them, even though no one thought that was the right thing to do."

Conclusion

The episode "The Rosenbergs" offers a comprehensive examination of one of America's most infamous espionage cases. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant present a nuanced portrayal of the Rosenbergs, balancing the historical facts with the moral and ethical questions their case invokes. This episode serves as an essential listen for anyone interested in Cold War history, espionage, and the complexities of justice during times of national fear.