Mata Hari, 1876-1917

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Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle MacLeod 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. 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 many books, films, and other works.

It has been said that she was convicted and condemned because the French Army needed a scapegoat, and that the files used to secure her conviction contained several falsifications. Some have even stated that Mata Hari could not have been a spy and was innocent.

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Person

Birth 1876-08-07

Death 1917-10-15

Dutch

Dutch; Flemish

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