Executing the Rosenbergs

Death and Diplomacy in a Cold War World

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book Executing the Rosenbergs by Lori Clune, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lori Clune ISBN: 9780190265908
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: April 8, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Lori Clune
ISBN: 9780190265908
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: April 8, 2016
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

In 1950, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were arrested for allegedly passing information about the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union, an affair FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover labeled the "crime of the century." Their case became an international sensation, inspiring petitions, letters of support, newspaper editorials, and protests in countries around the world. Nevertheless, the Rosenbergs were executed after years of appeals, making them the only civilians ever put to death for conspiracy-related activities. Yet even after their executions, protests continued. The Rosenberg case quickly transformed into legend, while the media spotlight shifted to their two orphaned sons. In Executing the Rosenbergs, Lori Clune demonstrates that the Rosenberg case played a pivotal role in the world's perception of the United States. Based on newly discovered documents from the State Department, Clune narrates the widespread dissent against the Rosenberg decision in 80 cities and 48 countries. Even as the Truman and Eisenhower administrations attempted to turn the case into pro-democracy propaganda, U.S. allies and potential allies questioned whether the United States had the moral authority to win the Cold War. Meanwhile, the death of Stalin in 1953 also raised the stakes of the executions; without a clear hero and villain, the struggle between democracy and communism shifted into morally ambiguous terrain. Transcending questions of guilt or innocence, Clune weaves the case -and its aftermath -into the fabric of the Cold War, revealing its far-reaching global effects. An original approach to one of the most fascinating episodes in Cold War history, Executing the Rosenbergs broadens a quintessentially American story into a global one.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1950, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were arrested for allegedly passing information about the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union, an affair FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover labeled the "crime of the century." Their case became an international sensation, inspiring petitions, letters of support, newspaper editorials, and protests in countries around the world. Nevertheless, the Rosenbergs were executed after years of appeals, making them the only civilians ever put to death for conspiracy-related activities. Yet even after their executions, protests continued. The Rosenberg case quickly transformed into legend, while the media spotlight shifted to their two orphaned sons. In Executing the Rosenbergs, Lori Clune demonstrates that the Rosenberg case played a pivotal role in the world's perception of the United States. Based on newly discovered documents from the State Department, Clune narrates the widespread dissent against the Rosenberg decision in 80 cities and 48 countries. Even as the Truman and Eisenhower administrations attempted to turn the case into pro-democracy propaganda, U.S. allies and potential allies questioned whether the United States had the moral authority to win the Cold War. Meanwhile, the death of Stalin in 1953 also raised the stakes of the executions; without a clear hero and villain, the struggle between democracy and communism shifted into morally ambiguous terrain. Transcending questions of guilt or innocence, Clune weaves the case -and its aftermath -into the fabric of the Cold War, revealing its far-reaching global effects. An original approach to one of the most fascinating episodes in Cold War history, Executing the Rosenbergs broadens a quintessentially American story into a global one.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Handbook of Advances in Culture and Psychology, Volume 5 by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Fantasies of Improvisation by Lori Clune
Cover of the book I Died for Beauty by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique by Lori Clune
Cover of the book How Fantasy Becomes Reality by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Medical Saints: Cosmas and Damian in a Postmodern World by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Language, Cognition, and Human Nature by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Why David Sometimes Wins by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Afgantsy: The Russians in Afghanistan, 1979-1989 by Lori Clune
Cover of the book The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Monitoring and Predicting Agricultural Drought by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Great Catastrophe by Lori Clune
Cover of the book A Matter of Style by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic by Lori Clune
Cover of the book Brother-Making in Late Antiquity and Byzantium by Lori Clune
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy