What was the importance of the Hiss and Rosenberg cases?
Two dramatic trials in New York convinced most Americans that Cold War concerns about Soviet espionage and subversion were fully justified. The convictions of Alger Hiss in 1950 and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in 1951 were, however, only the tip of an iceberg.
How did the Rosenbergs impact the Cold War?
Few death-penalty executions can equal the controversy created by the electrocutions of spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in 1953. Accused of overseeing a spy network that stole American atomic secrets and handing those over to the Soviet Union, the couple were the only spies executed during the Cold War.
Who was Alger Hiss and why was he important?
Alger Hiss (November 11, 1904 – November 15, 1996) was an American government official accused in 1948 of having spied for the Soviet Union in the 1930s. Statutes of limitations had expired for espionage, but he was convicted of perjury in connection with this charge in 1950.
What did Julius Rosenberg do?
Julius and Ethel were convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage on March 29, 1951, and were sentenced to death. Throughout their appeals, the Rosenbergs maintained their innocence. They were executed at Sing Sing prison in New York on June 19, 1953.
What was Alger Hiss accused of quizlet?
Alger Hiss was accused of passing secret military information to the Soviet Union and he was sentenced to five years in prison. The Rosenbergs were accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviets and were both convicted and executed. You just studied 5 terms!
How did McCarthy gained public attention?
After three largely undistinguished years in the Senate, McCarthy rose suddenly to national fame in February 1950, when he asserted in a speech that he had a list of “members of the Communist Party and members of a spy ring” who were employed in the State Department.
Who was Joseph McCarthy And what was he looking for why quizlet?
Who is Joseph McCarthy? McCarthy was an Republic Senator for the state of Wisconsin who made claims that Communist spies were in the U.S Federal Government.
What was the reason for McCarthy’s downfall?
Despite McCarthy’s acquittal of misconduct in the Schine matter, the Army–McCarthy hearings ultimately became the main catalyst in McCarthy’s downfall from political power.