Q: Who Was Mata Hari and Why Was She Executed?

A: While Margaretha Geertruida Zelle MacLeod (1876-1917) didn’t cause World War I, she did help perpetuate it – a pretty big accomplishment for a courtesan/stripper. Having spent time in Java with her husband, Captain Campbell MacLeod, Margaretha returned to Holland and sued for divorce.

To make ends meet she took up exotic dancing and the name Mata Hari (meaning “the light of day” in Malay. With her sensual performances becoming the hit attraction of the major European cities, she was naturally bombarded by a whole slew of men offering gifts for her favors. Many of these men happened to be high-ranking French and German military officers, and even some royalty.

As WWI progressed, both sides became suspicious that Mata Hari was spying for the other. The French eventually put her on trial and, although the charges were never proven, she was convicted of espionage and sentenced to death by firing squad.

In her defense, Mata Hari famously remarked: “Harlot, yes. But traitor? Never!” And playing the seductress up until the end, she boldly refused a blindfold for her execution. Just before the fatal bullets were shot, she smiled and blew a kiss to the firing squad.

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