The Couple Who Betrayed America

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were an American couple who sold military secrets to the Russians in the 1940’s.

Julius worked as a technician during the popular Manhattan nuclear project in USA. As at then, the USA was the only country with a nuclear weapon.

Through Julius and his wife, the Russians allegedly learnt key steps in the production of nuclear warheads and in less than 4 years, Russia (USSR), became a nuclear power.

The couple were found guilty of espionage in 1951 and then sentenced to death by electric chair. Both Julius and Ethel were executed in 1953
The picture above shows Julius and Ethel Rosenberg as they appear before the grand jury in 1951. (Notice Julius on handcuffs) . When they were executed by the US government on 19th June 1953, Julius died instantly after the first electric shock was administered. His wife Ethel, was not so lucky. She was electrocuted 3 times and she lost consciousness. when the execution doctor discovered that her heart was still beating, she was sent back to the electric chair. After 2 more electrocutions, eye witnesses said that they could see smoke coming up from her head. They were both buried on 21st June 1953. All for an extra 100 dollar pay raise by the Russians, this couple lost their lives.