June 19, 1953: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Are Executed

June 19, 1953: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Are Executed

June 19, 1953: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg Are Executed

“Abroad this execution will be thrown in our faces for a long time to come.”

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

The Nation had for years argued that the Rosenbergs were likely innocent of leaking nuclear secrets to the Soviets, and that there was enough reasonable doubt surrounding the case to spare them from execution. The latest evidence, however, seems to indicate that Julius was guilty, though Ethel was likely not. The following letter to the editor, written by one Dell H. Hymes of Bloomington, Indiana, was published in the issue of July 11, 1953.

Dear Sirs: The Nation was among the few with the courage to ask clemency for the Rosenbergs, and I am proud to be one of its readers. In this it showed deeper concern for our country than those who sought their death…. Abroad this execution will be thrown in our faces for a long time to come. Here at home it shows how far the war orientation has triumphed; would two young parents have been denied clemency five years ago? As more and more factors pointed toward doubt and urged clemency, what sort of government was it that grew more insistent on death? Was it afraid to let them live?… It was clear that the Rosenbergs could have escaped death by a confession. Even those who believe them guilty must admire their moral courage during two years in the deathhouse.

June 19, 1953

To mark The Nation’s 150th anniversary, every morning this year The Almanac will highlight something that happened that day in history and how The Nation covered it. Get The Almanac every day (or every week) by signing up to the e-mail newsletter.

Support independent journalism that exposes oligarchs and profiteers


Donald Trump’s cruel and chaotic second term is just getting started. In his first month back in office, Trump and his lackey Elon Musk (or is it the other way around?) have proven that nothing is safe from sacrifice at the altar of unchecked power and riches.

Only robust independent journalism can cut through the noise and offer clear-eyed reporting and analysis based on principle and conscience. That’s what The Nation has done for 160 years and that’s what we’re doing now.

Our independent journalism doesn’t allow injustice to go unnoticed or unchallenged—nor will we abandon hope for a better world. Our writers, editors, and fact-checkers are working relentlessly to keep you informed and empowered when so much of the media fails to do so out of credulity, fear, or fealty.

The Nation has seen unprecedented times before. We draw strength and guidance from our history of principled progressive journalism in times of crisis, and we are committed to continuing this legacy today.

We’re aiming to raise $25,000 during our Spring Fundraising Campaign to ensure that we have the resources to expose the oligarchs and profiteers attempting to loot our republic. Stand for bold independent journalism and donate to support The Nation today.

Onward,

Katrina vanden Heuvel

Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

Ad Policy
x