by Esme Addison

You might think that talk about a secret group overthrowing the US government is crazy talk, but it’s happened at least four times before. If it happened before, who’s to say it can’t happen again?

1 The Burr Conspiracy (1804–1807):

Conspiracy: Aaron Burr, former Vice President of the United States, allegedly plotted to create an independent nation in the center of North America, including parts of the Western United States and possibly Mexico.

Truth: Burr was arrested and tried for treason in 1807 but was acquitted due to lack of evidence proving an overt act of treason.

2 The Business Plot (1933):

Conspiracy: A group of wealthy businessmen allegedly plotted to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and establish a fascist government.

Truth: The plot was revealed by retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler, who testified before Congress. While evidence was inconclusive, the plot was taken seriously enough to warrant investigation.

3 The Copperhead Conspiracy (1860s):

Conspiracy: Northern Democrats, known as Copperheads, allegedly plotted to assist the Confederacy during the Civil War and undermine the Union war effort.

Truth: While some Copperheads did express sympathy for the South and oppose the war, concrete evidence of widespread conspiracy remains limited.

The Knights of the Golden Circle (1850s–1860s):

Conspiracy: A secret society with the aim of creating a new nation composed of Southern U.S. states, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, focused on expanding slavery.

Truth: The group gained some support, particularly during the Civil War, but failed to achieve its goals and dissolved after the war.

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