The Rosenbergs | The Cause | 1
Summary
This episode dramatizes the early life and radicalization of Julius Rosenberg and his recruitment of brother-in-law David Greenglass into Soviet espionage. It details how their shared communist beliefs and wartime alliances led them to spy on the Manhattan Project. The narrative covers their initial meetings, Julius’s approach to Ruth Greenglass, and David’s eventual agreement to pass atomic secrets to Moscow.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The Rosenbergs and the FBI surveillance
Episode overview: McCarthyism and the spy ring
David Greenglass's childhood and relationship with Ethel
Ethel's radicalization and meeting Julius Rosenberg
Julius and Ethel's marriage and communist activities
Julius recruited by Soviet intelligence during WWII
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David's military service and transfer to Oak Ridge
Julius proposes using David to spy on Los Alamos
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Ruth Greenglass recruited to approach David
Ruth convinces David to spy for the Soviets
Outro, credits, and historical notes
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