Use the excerpt to answer the question:

The Rosenberg trial was a famous court case in the United States during the Cold War. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, a married couple, were accused of spying for the Soviet Union. The U.S. government said they gave secrets about the atomic bomb to the Soviets.

The trial took place in 1951, and both were found guilty of espionage. Many people believed the evidence against them was strong, especially against Julius, but Ethel’s involvement was debated. Some thought she was less involved and was mainly charged to pressure Julius.

The case was controversial because it happened during a time of fear about communism, and some people questioned whether the trial was fair. Despite protests and calls for mercy, the Rosenbergs were sentenced to death and executed in 1953. Later, more evidence came out that supported Julius's guilt but suggested Ethel might have been less involved than the trial claimed.

The trial remains a topic of debate about justice and the impact of fear during tense political times. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Why was Ethel Rosenberg’s involvement in the case controversial?

(1 point)
Responses

She confessed to the crime but later denied it.
She confessed to the crime but later denied it.

She was believed to be the mastermind behind the espionage.
She was believed to be the mastermind behind the espionage.

There was no evidence she knew about the atomic bomb.
There was no evidence she knew about the atomic bomb.

Some thought she was charged mainly to pressure Julius.

1 answer

Some thought she was charged mainly to pressure Julius.