History of the United States II / Unit 13 USH2 1826 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Rosenbergs
The idea
In nineteen fifty-one Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, and in June nineteen fifty-three both were executed. The anchor says they were executed despite a lack of evidence against them. Decades later, the anchor adds, evidence confirmed that Julius had passed information to the Soviets, and did not confirm it of Ethel.
In practice
A husband and wife sent to the electric chair together for the same crime.
Where people slip
The sources must be read together, and they do not fully agree. The Yawp says the case has proven the test of time, citing a co-conspirator's admission in two thousand eight. Digital History judges it likely that Ethel was at most a minor participant in her husband's activities. The misreading treats the two convictions as equally proven. The course holds the anchor's asymmetry: Julius's espionage was later confirmed; Ethel's was not, and she was executed.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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