The Atom Spy Case, also known as the Rosenbergs Case, remains one of the most debated and intriguing events in American history. Originating as a local issue, it evolved into a global concern, and the story of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg continues to captivate people even after 70 years.
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were accused of providing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during World War II, purportedly to aid the country. Consequently, they were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage and executed by electric chair at Sing Sing Prison in New York in 1953.
While some believe in their innocence, others are convinced of their guilt. Regardless of your stance, many lesser-known facts surround this case, some involving famous figures like Marilyn Monroe and even the Pope!
Here are ten surprising things you may not know about this infamous case.
10A Member of the Manhattan Project Started It All
The Soviet Union’s successful detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 stunned the U.S. government, leading to suspicions of espionage. Theoretical physicist Klaus Fuchs emerged as the primary suspect.
Fuchs, a key figure in the Manhattan Project, significantly helped in developing the atomic bomb during World War II. His expertise was crucial in key aspects of the project. Driven by communist beliefs, he secretly passed on classified information to the Soviet Union, including details of the bomb’s design and production.
Fuchs’s espionage remained hidden until 1950, when British authorities arrested him. He confessed and was convicted of violating the Official Secrets Act in the United Kingdom, receiving a 14-year prison sentence, later reduced to 9 years due to his cooperation. After his release in 1959, he moved to East Germany, continued his career as a physicist, and was honored for his contributions to the Soviet nuclear program. He lived there until his death in 1988.
Fuchs initiated the chain of accusations that eventually led to the arrest and execution of the Rosenbergs. [1]
9Julius’s Smuggling in the U.S. Army
During World War II, Julius Rosenberg worked as an engineer for the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. This facility housed the army’s top engineers working on sensitive technologies for the government, such as radar and guided missile control.
During his time there, he smuggled classified information to the Soviet Union through covert methods, using clandestine meetings, dead drops, and encrypted communications to pass sensitive documents and details about military technology and atomic research. He also recruited several agents to his spy ring.
Julius recruited individuals through his connections with communist sympathizers and members of the American Communist Party, targeting those with access to classified information or influence in government or military institutions. He exploited ideological allegiances and personal grievances to enlist collaborators willing to betray their country.
Julius’s ability to blend into leftist circles and gain trust facilitated his recruitment efforts. He exploited the anti-capitalist sentiments and suspicions of government oppression prevalent at the time.
Julius was eventually fired in 1945 after being identified as a member of the American Communist Party. [2]
8The Rosenbergs Arrested on the Word of Family and for Communist Ties
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were members of the American Communist Party during the Red Scare. They were part of leftist groups that advocated communist ideals, influenced by the Great Depression and the rise of communism. Julius had friends who were also members, including Harry Gold and Ethel’s brother, David Greenglass, both convicted as spies in other cases.
David Greenglass provided evidence against them under duress and later recanted his testimony, claiming coercion by law enforcement. He also testified that Julius had provided him with sketches of jet aircraft and atomic bomb components.
David’s statement implicated his wife, Ruth Greenglass, in joining a Soviet spy network, claiming she was recruited by Julius Rosenberg. [3]
7David Greenglass’s Involvement with the Arrest
David Greenglass, Ethel Rosenberg’s brother, was crucial in the arrest of the Rosenbergs. As a machinist at the Manhattan Project, he had access to classified information related to the atomic bomb. In 1950, he was arrested for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.
During interrogation, Greenglass testified against his sister and brother-in-law, claiming Julius recruited him to spy for the Soviets. Greenglass alleged that Ethel typed up notes containing classified information, implicating both in espionage activities.
Based on Greenglass’s testimony, the U.S. government charged the Rosenbergs with conspiracy to commit espionage. Their trial became a highly publicized event, fueled by Cold War paranoia. In 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted and sentenced to death, primarily based on Greenglass’s testimony. [4]
6Rosenbergs Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Espionage
The Rosenbergs were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage after a lengthy trial, not specifically for atomic spying or being members of a Soviet spy network. They were accused of passing information about the atomic bomb to Russia, but it was unclear if this information actually helped the Soviet Union build its own bombs.
The highly politicized trial occurred during the Cold War era. The prosecution presented evidence of the Rosenbergs’ alleged involvement in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets. Although Julius was the primary target, Ethel was also tried alongside him. Despite limited evidence directly linking her to espionage, the prosecution portrayed Ethel as an accomplice to her husband’s efforts.
Activists argued against the U.S. government for the wrongful arrest, trial, conviction, and execution of the Rosenbergs, especially Ethel, who they believed had little involvement in the spy ring. [5]
5An Infamous Attorney Pushed for the Death Penalty of the Rosenbergs
During their trial, Julius and Ethel maintained their innocence, claiming they were framed, but a certain lawyer vehemently disagreed.
The Rosenberg trial, presided over by Judge Irving Kaufman, occurred during high Cold War tensions. Roy Cohn, a young prosecutor who later gained notoriety for his role in the McCarthy hearings, was key in the case against the Rosenbergs. Joseph McCarthy, a former U.S. senator, alleged that many communists had infiltrated the U.S. government and other institutions.
The prosecution heavily relied on the testimony of Ethel Rosenberg’s brother, David Greenglass. Allegations arose that the prosecution pressured Greenglass to provide damning testimony against his sister and brother-in-law. Judge Kaufman’s handling of the trial drew criticism for bias toward the prosecution and restricting the defense’s ability to present evidence.
These factors cast doubt on the fairness of the trial, leading many to view the Rosenbergs’ conviction and execution as a miscarriage of justice, serving as a reminder of the dangers of political paranoia during times of national insecurity. [6]
4Public Backlash Against the U.S. Government
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were Jewish immigrants with Russian roots. Julius’s parents were Russian, and Ethel’s were Russian and Austrian.
The public outcry after their conviction and death penalty verdict stemmed from the belief that the U.S. government engaged in anti-Semitism by arresting and convicting a Jewish couple of espionage without concrete evidence. Surprisingly, Pope Pius XII appealed to the United States government for clemency in the Rosenberg case, according to an Italian newspaper.
Many people believed in the couple’s innocence and demanded a retrial or rescinding of the death penalty verdict. However, the prosecution, judge, and jury only postponed the execution date by a few days. [7]
3Celebrities Joined in on the Public Outcry
The Rosenbergs’ case and trial drew massive public outcry and celebrity attention. Top celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, and Pablo Picasso supported the Rosenbergs’ innocence and demanded a retrial or the death penalty be dropped.
The conviction and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg sparked intense public reaction both domestically and internationally. While some considered them traitors for endangering national security by passing secrets, others viewed them as martyrs and victims of Cold War paranoia. Despite press coverage and support, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were executed on June 19, 1953, leaving behind their two sons, Robert and Michael. [8]
2The Venona Project
In 1995, the U.S. government declassified and released the Venona Project, a World War II counterintelligence program.
The Venona Project, a top-secret American initiative started in 1943, decrypted Soviet communications. It revealed information about the Rosenbergs’ case and many other Soviet spies, including several Americans later convicted or confessing to their crimes.
Michael and Robert, the Rosenbergs’ sons, studied the Venona Project documents to determine if their parents were wrongly convicted. The documents revealed Julius Rosenberg’s involvement in the spy ring, but little to none for Ethel Rosenberg. [9]
1The Rosenbergs’ Sons Admit their Father’s Involvement
After examining the Venona Project documents, Robert and Michael Meeropol—the Rosenbergs’ children’s new name—acknowledged their father, Julius Rosenberg, was a spy. He was central to the spy ring, managing the smuggling of classified documents to the Soviet Union and recruiting new spies.
However, their mother, Ethel Rosenberg, had little to no involvement. The brothers are now fighting to posthumously pardon their mother. Former President Obama acknowledged their efforts but did not grant the pardon.
Even now, the Rosenbergs’ sons continue to fight for Ethel’s innocence. [10]
The Atom Spy Case remains a controversial chapter in American history, filled with surprising twists and turns. From the involvement of Manhattan Project members to celebrity advocacy, the case continues to spark debate and intrigue.
What are your thoughts on the Rosenbergs’ case? Share your opinions and insights in the comments below!
