Elizabeth Friedman: The Unsung Hero of Cryptography
He did not study mathematics, nor did he enlist in the army: Elizabeth Friedman fell in love with Shakespeare, sparking a remarkable journey that allowed her to uncover Nazi spy networks during World War II, apprehend Al Capone’s associates, and lay the groundwork for what would become the modern NSA.
This is the story of a poet from the American Midwest who became one of the most important cryptographers in U.S. history, supported only by a pencil and paper. It’s also a story of how her contributions were hidden from public view for decades.
From Literature to Cryptography
Elizabeth Friedman grew up in a Quaker family in rural Illinois, the youngest of several siblings. Graduating with a degree in English literature from Hillsdale College, she began her career as a teacher. However, her life took a turn when she crossed paths with Shakespeare’s works yet again.
While working at the Newberry Library in Chicago, she met the eccentric millionaire George Fabyan, who believed that Shakespeare’s plays were penned by Francis Bacon. This unusual notion would lead Elizabeth to work in one of the first modern cryptography laboratories at the Riverbank Laboratories, researching everything from genetic engineering to codes hidden in classic texts.
Pioneering Modern Cryptography
In 1916, at just 23 years old, Elizabeth joined the Fabyan think tank, where her skills would soon catch the eye of the military during World War I. Their success in code-breaking led the Army to draft the Friedmans into Washington, D.C.
Following this, Elizabeth began to work for the Treasury Department, where her detective work proved immensely successful. Between 1926 and 1930, she deciphered an astonishing 20,000 messages from smugglers each year, contributing significantly to the government’s efforts against illegal alcohol trafficking during Prohibition.
The Second World War and Spies
As World War II unfolded, the role of American cryptographers might have seemed minor, yet Elizabeth and her husband William became the standout figures within the community. Elizabeth played a critical role in dismantling a complex network of Nazi spies operating in Latin America, aiming to destabilize U.S. influence in the region.
Her most notable achievement involved exposing Velvalee Dickinson, a spy who communicated vital intelligence to Japan through innocent-sounding letters about dolls. Elizabeth’s remarkable talents made her an invaluable asset during this tumultuous period.
The Hidden Legacy
Despite her extraordinary contributions, Elizabeth’s work was frequently overshadowed. J. Edgar Hoover, the controversial director of the FBI, is said to have wiped the Friedmans from the history books, often attributing their successes to his agency.
For decades, Elizabeth and William’s legacies remained largely forgotten, hidden away in the annals of history until recently. In 1999, Elizabeth was inducted into the NSA’s Hall of Fame, and a building was dedicated in her honor in 2002. Her contributions were finally recognized as essential to understanding modern cryptography.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Friedman was not just a “hidden figure” in history. Her work and its implications transcended her time, shaping the future of American intelligence. The incredible journey from literature to becoming a key player in cryptography underscores not only her brilliance but also the critical roles women have played in shaping history while often remaining behind the scenes.