Stuff You Should Know The Rosenbergs
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May 29, 2025 Dive into the twisting tale of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, whose espionage trial stirred intense debate and controversy. Discover the complexities of their lives, linked to Cold War tensions and a web of betrayal involving David Greenglass. Uncover the chilling details of their arrest and the eccentric tactics used for secret communications. The narrative reveals how their controversial legacies continue to provoke thought on justice and morality, interspersed with humor and cultural references that keep listeners engaged.
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Controversy Over Ethel's Guilt
- Julius was definitely a spy for the Soviet Union, but Ethel's involvement is debatable and most historians believe she was likely innocent.
- Executing both was seen as a travesty of justice, as no other spies during that time faced the death penalty.
Family Ties and Business Tensions
- Julius recruited family and friends into espionage including his brother-in-law David Greenglass.
- Business tensions arose when Julius and the Greenglass brothers tried starting a company together, which went poorly.
Venona Cables Help Crack Spy Ring
- The spy network was uncovered starting with Klaus Fuchs’s arrest, leading to the Greenglass couple being implicated.
- Venona cables, secret Soviet communications decrypted by the U.S., were key in identifying these spies but were too sensitive to be used directly in court.