History Daily The Arrest of Ethel Rosenberg
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Aug 11, 2025 In August 1950, Ethel Rosenberg is arrested amidst Cold War paranoia, accused of spying for the Soviet Union. The podcast dives into the tumultuous lives of the Rosenbergs, exploring their involvement in atomic espionage and the family betrayal that led to their downfall. Tensions ramp up as the FBI relentlessly pursues them, culminating in a trial filled with controversy and harsh realities. Ultimately, it reflects on their tragic fate, questioning the nature of justice and the heavy cost of fear in a fraught historical moment.
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Arrest In Foley Square
- Ethel Rosenberg was grabbed outside the courthouse and told by FBI agents that she was under arrest.
- That moment marked the end of her freedom and the start of a case that would lead to her execution.
Red Scare Fueled The Prosecution
- By the summer of 1950 America was gripped by fear of communism and traitors inside the country.
- That national panic helped turn suspicion into aggressive prosecutions like the Rosenberg case.
Recruiting David At Their Apartment
- Julius and Ethel persuaded Ruth Greenglass to recruit her husband David into spying for the Soviets during WWII.
- Ruth agreed and David later became a Soviet asset at Los Alamos after their visit to Albuquerque.