History's Most Famous Conspiracies: What Really Happened?

Learn the most famous conspiracies in history and what they involved. Secret societies, government cover-ups, unbelievable truths—it is all here in these narratives!

History's Most Famous Conspiracies: What Really Happened?

For hundreds of years, man has told stories, whispered about, and been influenced by secret combinations and cover-ups regarding some of history’s most famous conspiracies.Conspiracy theories have also been a part of human life for ages, whether it’s suspicious deaths or groups of shady people—all throughout history, conspiracies have impacted public perception and even changed the world. So what really happened behind the scenes? Let’s take a journey through some of the most interesting conspiracy theories from the past and separate fact from fiction.

Why Do Conspiracies Interest Us?

Despite being intelligent beings, we love a good story. When something doesn’t make sense we can’t help be curious. Conspiracies work because they provide an alternative story--a more interesting, or at least a more dangerous, story to tell. In the internet age, it’s never been faster for these stories to spread, but many have been around for some time.

The assassination of JFK.

It wouldn't be a list of conspiracies without JFK’s assassination in 1963. The official account blames Lee Harvey Oswald, but who really shot JFK? Is he working alone, or is he involved in a larger conspiracy?

Theory: There was more than one shooter, the Mafia, or that it was a government agency.

Evidence: The Zapruder film, conflicting witness accounts, and the "magic bullet theory" all sparked speculation.

What Did Take Place? The Warren Commission came to the conclusion that Oswald acted alone. However, most historians will say that the evidence was mishandled. There is no evidence, however, that a conspiracy took place, yet the questions still remain.

2. The Moon Landing Hoax

In 1969, Neil Armstrong's moonwalk was a historical moment. However, some would argue that it was staged.

The Theory: NASA staged the moon landing to win the Space Race with the USSR.

The Evidence: Skeptics used the waving flags (even though there is no wind on the moon), odd shadows, and the lack of a star in the pictures.

What Really Took Place? Scientific explanations debunk every example presented: the flag waved because of inertia, the shadows matched the light conditions, and the cameras were not sensitive enough to capture the stars. Scientific proof that the landings were real includes several missions, lunar samples, and retroreflectors placed on the moon.

3. Area 51, UFO Technologies

Area 51 is located in Nevada, and it has been the epicenter of alien speculation for many decades.

The Theory: The US government has extraterrestrial technology there.

The Evidence: IDS sightings, declassified documents (with falsifications), and the Roswell incident have all kept UFO enthusiasts on their toes.

evidence supports the idea of foul play.

The Illuminati and Secret Societies

The Illuminati is believed to manipulate things on a worldwide scale, from sophisticated speeches about pop culture to stories about manipulating government and global economics.

The Evidence: For example, the symbology of the "All-Seeing Eye", the comments in music lead people to think this theory is true.

The Theory: A secret society is determining how governments, economies, and culture act.

What Happened: The Bavarian Illuminati was actually a short-lived society formed during the Enlightenment period which was disbanded in the 1780s. While, many claim that a global conspiracy exists, the original ideology lacks evidence but has created a cultural phenomena.

5. The Death of Princess Diana

The fatal car accident of Princess Diana in 1997 stunned the world and quickly prompted conspiracy theories.

The Evidence: The theory that involved the car crash included ideas of paparazzi, a white Fiat Uno, and Diana's mindset on life and fear for her safety.

The Truth: Investigations revealed that it was the result of reckless driving and pursuit of paparazzi. The accident was suspicious due to the involvement of paparazzi, but there was nothing to suggest foul play, and nothing is solid to support any claims of foul play.

6. The Philadelphia Experiment

This story from World War II claims that the U.S. Navy was trying to make a ship invisible, or teleport, in a secret project.

The Theory: People claimed that the USS Eldridge was rendered invisible, and then reappeared miles away.

The Evidence: Witness testimonies, along with published books, helped advance the story.

What Really Happened: Historians speculate the tale evolved from exaggerated misunderstanding of the Navy's testing and anecdotes made up after the fact. The experiment which has not been substantiated with any credible evidence.

7. 9/11 Inside Job Theories

The September 11, 2001 attacks are one of the most analyzed events of our time.

The Theory: The U.S. government orchestrated or permitted these events and claimed them as a basis for war.

The Evidence: Theories include that the towers were brought down using controlled demolitions, stock trades were questionable the week of 9/11, and the lack of footage from the Pentagon.

What Happened: Various independent investigations proved Al-Qaeda was responsible for the attacks. Structural engineers offered an exploration of structural engineering principles to showcase that the theory of controlled demolition was erroneous, despite the continued belief to the contrary.

8. The Shakespeare Authorship Question

Could the works of William Shakespeare actually be written by another author?

The Theory: Smooth and educated gentlemen such as Francis Bacon, or Edward de Vere, actually wrote the plays under a fake identity.

The Evidence: Supporters claim Shakespeare had a modest education, and included hidden codes within the works.

What Did Happen? Most researchers agree that William Shakespeare authored his plays and poems. Historical records note William Shakespeare in connection with numerous plays and poems which we recognize as Shakespeare’s writing. The discourse over whether Shakespeare wrote was and continues to be one of literary intrigue.

9. The Bermuda Triangle Mystery

For decades, the Bermuda Triangle, the area between Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, has been rumored to be the cause for mysterious aquatic disappearances.

The Theory: Emphatically, ships and planes have been "taken" because of supernatural forces or alien involvement.

The Evidence: Numerous incidents, ranging from Flight 19 to the USS Cyclops, have been alleged to have disappeared in the triangle.

What Happened: Many of these disappearances can often easily be attributed to storms, human error due to inexperience, or navigational challenges. Modern studies have shown that number of incidents is not statistically greater than those of comparable travel regions of high traffic.

10. The Great Fire of Rome

In A.D. 64, Rome was consumed in a great fire in which historical records recount word spread that Nero started the fire.

The Theory: Reputedly, Nero started the fire to make room for a larger palace.

The Evidence: Some ancient history accounts like Tacitus indicated the public highly suspected Nero.

What Happened: Historians believe the fire most likely began in one of the flammable trade shops in Rome and speculate that it was an unfortunate accident. While Nero may have benefitted from its aftermath, there is no credible evidence of direct involvement of arson.

The Persistence of Conspiracies

Conspiracies can endure even when the story has been explicitly falsified. Cognitive bias, a distrust of authority, and the delightful idea that something is going on underneath the surface all assist in conspiracies retaining life in our societies. Now consider social media where a theory can go viral, and be spread globally, in a matter of minutes.

What Conspiracies Page History Should Tell Us

Critical thinking counts: Always fact-check your sources before you trust unusual claims.Transparency Cultivates Trust: The role of uncertainty and secrecy in government and institutions breeds speculation.

Stories Matter: Even when a story turns out to be false, it can inspire works of art, literature, and movements.

In Conclusion

History's biggest conspiracies remind us that the edge of truth and fiction is often blurred. Compelling theories may collapse under scrutiny; others remain in limbo seeking resolution.Conspiracies, whether concerning JFK, Area 51, or the Bermuda Triangle, are interesting because they usually overturn our understanding altogether.

At the end of the day, our engagement with the conspiracies of history isn't so much about figuring out the conclusion, but rather about wondering why we are concerned about this questionable event at all. History isn't simply a set of facts; history includes a history of stories, beliefs, and questions that pique our curiosity. When we look closer with respect and engage in a process of questioning our narratives, we will learn more about the past—and we will learn to value the truth.