Florida US History EOC Practice Exam

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were indeed convicted of espionage for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the early years of the Cold War. Their case became one of the most controversial and high-profile espionage trials in American history. The couple was accused of providing information about the atomic bomb, which they allegedly obtained through Julius's connections in espionage networks and Ethel's involvement in assisting him. Their trial in 1951 concluded with their conviction, and they were executed in 1953. This case highlighted the intense fears of communism and espionage in the United States at that time, exemplifying the broader context of Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.

On the other hand, the other options describe different categories of historical figures, but they do not accurately characterize the Rosenbergs. They were not primarily political leaders or scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, nor were they leaders of the American Communist Party. Their notoriety chiefly stems from their espionage activities.