The Rosenbergs | The Implosion | 3
Summary
This episode details the FBI's investigation into Soviet spies David Greenglass and Julius Rosenberg following the arrest of courier Harry Gold. After being identified from a photograph, Greenglass confesses to passing atomic secrets to protect his wife, implicating his brother-in-law Julius. The narrative covers the subsequent arrests, the Greenglasses' cooperation with prosecutors, and David’s pivotal decision to falsely accuse Ethel Rosenberg of typing stolen documents to secure leniency for his family.
Topics discussed
David Greenglass's fear and Julius's escape plan
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Background on the Rosenberg-Greenglass spy ring
Harry Gold's confession identifies the Greenglasses
FBI surveillance and investigation of David Greenglass
FBI agents search the Greenglass apartment
David Greenglass's interrogation and confession
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David's partial truth and Julius's arrest
Julius Rosenberg denies espionage to the FBI
Greenglass family strategy and Soviet-funded defense
Ethel's failed attempt to persuade Ruth
Julius and Ethel arrested; Hoover's strategy
Grand jury testimony and Ethel's arrest
David implicates Ethel to save Ruth
Episode conclusion and credits
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