Margaretha Zelle, Gretha MacLeod, Madame Rousseau, the woman known as Mata Hari went by many different names.  She was taught that the three ingredients needed for happiness were luxury, affection, and good social standing. Margaretha tried to win her happiness through marriage but chose the wrong man. When it became clear to her that no one man could give her everything she needed, her transformation began. As Mata Hari, Margaretha could live the perfect life. Often referred to as an exotic dancer, Mata Hari was the leading experimental dance artist of her day.  Enjoying liaisons with some of the most powerful men in Europe, Mata Hari made no apologies for her lifestyle. She was not ashamed. When those same powerful men turned on each other and went to war, they unanimously turned against Mata Hari and the pre-war decadence she represented.

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In part 2 we discuss the rise and terrible fall of Mata Hari's stage career

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