Why were Julius and Ethel Rosenberg good symbols of the Red Scare?

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were emblematic of the Red Scare due to their conviction for espionage during the Cold War, accused of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. Their trial and execution in 1953 fueled fears of communist infiltration in America, highlighting the era's paranoia. The sensationalism surrounding their case, combined with the political climate, made them a focal point for anti-communist sentiment and the broader struggle against perceived threats to national security. Their legacy continues to evoke debates about civil liberties and the impact of McCarthyism.