Everything Everywhere Daily · Friday, July 17, 2026
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of espionage on March 29, 1951, and executed by electrocution on June 19, 1953, becoming the only American civilians executed for espionage during the Cold War. Despite government offers, Julius refused to admit guilt or name other conspirators, and Ethel was pursued even with limited evidence of her direct involvement.
“With this testimony, the Rosenbergs were convicted of espionage on March 29th, 1951.”
“Despite the initial date of the execution being pushed back, both of the Rosenbergs were executed by electrocution on June 19th, 1953.”
“The Rosenbergs were the only American civilians to be executed for espionage during the entirety of the Cold War.”