Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, a married couple residing in New York City, were arrested in July 1950 on charges of espionage. They were accused of being part of a spy ring that provided Soviet agents with critical information about atomic bomb technology during the early years of the Cold War. The beginning of their trial on March 6, 1951, signaled a pivotal moment in American history, taking place against the backdrop of rising anti-communist sentiment and the early years of nuclear competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Rosenbergs faced serious charges, which included conspiracy to commit espionage. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of David Greenglass, Ethel's brother, who alleged that both Ethel and Julius had been directly involved in espionage activities. Throughout the trial, the couple maintained their innocence, asserting that they were victims of political persecution and that the charges against them were exaggerated due to the prevailing fear of communism.

As the courtroom proceedings unfolded, the case garnered massive media attention and public debate. Many viewed the trial as emblematic of the fierce ideological battle between the United States and the Soviet Union. The implications of the outcome were far-reaching, raising questions about civil liberties, the role of the government in prosecuting alleged traitors, and the lengths to which the American judicial system would go in the name of national security.