Mata Hari
Dutch exotic dancer (1876–1917) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle, Dutch: [mɑrɣaːˈreːtaː ɣeːrˈtrœydaː ˈzɛlə]; 7 August 1876 – 15 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (/ˈmɑːtə ˈhɑːri/ MAH-tə HAR-ee, Dutch: [ˈmaːtaː ˈhaːri]; Malay for 'sun', lit. 'eye of the day'), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed by firing squad in France.[1] The idea of a beautiful exotic dancer using her powers of seduction as a spy made her name synonymous with the femme fatale. Her story has served as an inspiration for books, films, and other works.
Mata Hari | |
---|---|
Born | Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (1876-08-07)7 August 1876 Leeuwarden, Netherlands |
Died | 15 October 1917(1917-10-15) (aged 41) Vincennes, France |
Cause of death | Execution by firing squad |
Occupations |
|
Spouse |
Rudolf John MacLeod
(m. 1895; div. 1906) |
Children | 2 |
Espionage activity | |
Allegiance |
|
Service branch | Deuxième Bureau |
Service years | 1916–1917 |
Signature | |
It has been said that she was convicted and condemned because the French Army needed a scapegoat,[2][3] and that the files used to secure her conviction contained falsifications.[4] Some have even stated that Mata Hari could not have been a spy and was innocent.[5]