30 Wild Conspiracy Theories About Well Known Historical Events

The 9/11 Attacks

(getty images)

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have spawned numerous conspiracy theories, some of which suggest that the U.S. government or its allies orchestrated the attacks to provide a pretext for military interventions like the invasion of Iraq. These theories claim that the official account of 9/11, which points to the involvement of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, is a cover-up for a more complex and nefarious plot. However, extensive investigations and a wealth of evidence have consistently supported the consensus that 9/11 was a meticulously planned and executed act of terrorism carried out by al-Qaeda. While conspiracy theories may persist, they are widely discredited within the mainstream, underscoring the importance of relying on credible sources and expert analysis when evaluating historical events of such significance.

The Roswell UFO Crash

(getty images)

The Roswell UFO incident of 1947 has become a cornerstone of modern UFO conspiracy theories. When a rancher discovered debris he believed to be from a crashed UFO, it triggered speculation that the U.S. government was hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life. Initially, the military stated that the debris was from a weather balloon, but later revised their explanation, claiming it was linked to a top-secret project called "Project Mogul." Despite these official explanations, many continue to believe that the government is concealing the true nature of the Roswell incident, asserting that an alien spacecraft indeed crashed there. The enduring allure of the Roswell conspiracy theory reflects the enduring fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and fuels ongoing debates about government transparency and the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth.

Was The Sinking of the Titanic Deliberate?

(getty images)

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 has not been immune to conspiracy theories. Among the most persistent is the belief that the White Star Line, the ship's owners, deliberately sank the vessel to claim insurance money. Advocates of this theory argue that the Titanic was carrying an excess of lifeboats, suggesting premeditated intent to ensure a higher survival rate. They also contend that the ship was pushed into a perilous voyage to increase the likelihood of an accident. However, extensive investigations into the Titanic's tragic demise, including inquiries held shortly after the disaster and subsequent research expeditions, overwhelmingly support the conclusion that the ship struck an iceberg due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, leading to its catastrophic sinking. While conspiracy theories continue to circulate, the weight of historical evidence firmly refutes any notion of a deliberate sinking.

Was Lewis Carroll Moonlighting As Jack the Ripper?

(public domain)

One of the weirdest historical conspiracy theories concerns none other than Jack the Ripper. For ages no one has been able to put a face to the name, but this theory suggests that Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was actually White Chapel serial killer, the notorious serial killer, has raised eyebrows among enthusiasts. This theory was put forth by author Richard Wallace in his book Jack the Ripper: Light-Hearted Friend.

Wallace compiled a series of potentially incriminating facts about Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in 1832, including traumatic experiences during his boarding school days that may have haunted him throughout his life. Wallace also proposed that Carroll concealed secret messages in his books in the form of anagrams, which supposedly confessed to his involvement in the Ripper crimes. Additionally, Carroll's proximity to the Ripper murder sites added to the suspicion. However, critics have highlighted that similar "confessions" could be extracted from Wallace's own words, including his own alleged involvement in murder and authorship of Shakespeare's sonnets, casting doubt on the credibility of this conspiracy theory.

Some People Believe Amelia Earhart's Changed Her Identity And Moved To New Jersey

(ap)

The disappearance of pioneering pilot Amelia Earhart in 1937 during her attempted flight around the world has given rise to numerous conspiracy theories over the years. Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, departed from New Guinea on July 2 and mysteriously vanished, with no communication thereafter. Two years later, they were officially declared dead. Some of the more intriguing theories suggest that Earhart was captured by the Japanese, fueled by the emergence of a photo in the National Archives resembling her back.

However, Japan has consistently denied any involvement in her disappearance. Another theory proposes that Earhart crashed, was subsequently captured by the Japanese, rescued by the United States, and then assumed a new identity in New Jersey, as outlined in the book Amelia Earhart Lives. Unfortunately, while these theories capture the imagination, the most probable explanation remains that Earhart's plane crashed, resulting in the tragic loss of both her and navigator Fred Noonan.

The Clintons

(getty images)

The Clinton body count conspiracy theory is a long-standing and baseless notion that alleges former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, have orchestrated the assassinations of numerous associates, with claims of fifty or more deaths attributed to them. These accusations have persisted since the 1990s when a pseudo-documentary film titled The Clinton Chronicles, promoted by figures like Rev. Jerry Falwell, accused Bill Clinton of various crimes, including murder. The theory has found support among some right-wing media figures and conspiracy theorists, despite a complete lack of credible evidence to substantiate these claims. These unfounded allegations highlight the polarized nature of contemporary political discourse and underscore the importance of distinguishing between legitimate concerns and baseless conspiracy theories in public discourse.

The Holocaust

(getty images)

The Holocaust, the systematic genocide of millions of European Jews during World War II, is one of the most extensively documented events in human history, supported by an overwhelming body of evidence. However, there exists a deeply troubling and offensive conspiracy theory that suggests the Holocaust never occurred. Deniers of the Holocaust claim that the extensive physical evidence, including concentration camps, gas chambers, and countless survivor testimonies, is fabricated. These assertions are not only false but deeply disrespectful to the memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Holocaust denial is widely rejected by scholars, historians, and governments around the world. The tragic reality of the Holocaust is irrefutable, and it is essential to remember and honor its victims while combating misinformation and hateful ideologies that seek to deny this dark chapter of human history.

Were The Kennedys Involved in the Assassination of Marilyn Monroe?

(getty images)

The conspiracy theory suggesting that President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, were involved in the death of Marilyn Monroe has circulated for years, though it lacks substantial evidence to support such claims. While Marilyn Monroe's death remains shrouded in mystery and continues to intrigue, official investigations and numerous inquiries have consistently concluded that her passing was the result of a drug overdose. The idea that the Kennedys orchestrated her death to silence her due to potential revelations remains speculative and lacks credible substantiation. Conspiracy theories surrounding this topic highlight the enduring fascination with the Kennedys and their complex legacy, but it's essential to rely on factual evidence and well-founded investigations when assessing such historical events and allegations.

The Illuminati Control The World

(Shutterstock)

The notion that the Illuminati, a historical secret society founded in 1776, continues to wield immense power and control over the world is a well-known conspiracy theory. Despite historical evidence suggesting that the original Bavarian Illuminati disbanded in the late 18th century, some individuals assert that a shadowy and clandestine organization with the same name persists and manipulates global affairs. Proponents of this theory often cite alleged connections between world leaders, celebrities, and the Illuminati as evidence of their continued influence. However, these claims are largely unsubstantiated and widely dismissed by experts and scholars. The belief in a contemporary Illuminati often serves as a symbol for distrust in established power structures, but it is important to critically evaluate the credibility of such conspiracy theories and rely on verifiable information when examining complex issues of global influence.

The Belief In Flat Earth Persists In Spite of Being Debunked

(Shutterstock)

The belief in a flat Earth, though debunked by centuries of scientific research and evidence, has experienced a resurgence in recent years as a notable conspiracy theory. Advocates of this theory contend that the Earth is a flat disc rather than a spherical planet, asserting that governments and scientists are engaged in a grand deception. They often raise questions about the apparent lack of curvature visible from high altitudes or the absence of images that display the Earth's curvature from space. However, these arguments fundamentally misunderstand the principles of astronomy, physics, and photography. The overwhelming scientific consensus and a multitude of empirical observations, including the numerous photographs of Earth from space, confirm that our planet is indeed an oblate spheroid. The flat Earth theory underscores the importance of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism in evaluating conspiracy theories and pseudoscience.

The Pyramids Were Built By Aliens

(Shutterstock)

The notion that the pyramids in Egypt were constructed by aliens is a fringe conspiracy theory that lacks credible scientific support. While the pyramids are indeed remarkable feats of ancient engineering and architecture, they were built by skilled Egyptian laborers and architects using the technology and knowledge available to them at the time. The theory suggesting extraterrestrial involvement often arises from a misunderstanding of the ingenuity and capabilities of ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence, historical records, and the gradual evolution of pyramid-building techniques over centuries all provide concrete proof of human involvement in their construction. While the allure of attributing extraordinary accomplishments to otherworldly beings persists, it is crucial to rely on established historical and scientific knowledge when discussing the origins of these awe-inspiring monuments.

New Coke Was Created To Drive Demand For Coca-Cola Classic

(getty images)

The conspiracy theory suggesting that The Coca-Cola Company deliberately introduced New Coke with an inferior formula to boost demand for the original Coca-Cola Classic is a prominent example of marketing myth-making. While some consumers were deeply dissatisfied with the taste of New Coke, the change was driven by market competition and consumer preferences rather than a grand corporate scheme. The Coca-Cola Company faced strong competition from Pepsi at the time and aimed to revitalize its brand to better align with changing consumer tastes. The return to Coca-Cola Classic, just a few months after the launch of New Coke, demonstrated the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. President Donald Keough dismissed the conspiracy theory, stating:

The truth is, we're not that dumb, and we're not that smart.

The Death of Nero is a Mystery

(public domain)

The death of Nero, the Roman emperor who committed suicide in 68 AD, gave rise to numerous ancient conspiracy theories that persisted for centuries. Some of these theories suggested that Nero had staged his own death and was secretly alive, plotting his return to power. According to these tales, he had sought refuge in the East, where he still enjoyed support and admiration. Others believed that Nero had genuinely died but would miraculously come back to life and reclaim his throne. These conspiracy narratives were particularly significant in early Christian communities, as Nero had brutally persecuted them. The Book of Revelation, a key text in the Christian tradition, alluded to these conspiracy theories by referencing the idea of a slaughtered head returning to life, underscoring how these ancient conspiracies became intertwined with religious beliefs and anxieties.

Some Conspiracy Theorists Believe That Hitler Survived World War II

(getty images)

The conspiracy theories suggesting that Adolf Hitler survived World War II and sought refuge in various locations, such as the Americas, Antarctica, or even the Moon, have long captured the imagination of many. However, these theories lack credible evidence and are widely debunked. It is well-documented that Hitler died by suicide in his bunker in Berlin in April 1945, as the Allied forces closed in on the German capital. The notion that Hitler survived was, in fact, propagated as part of a disinformation campaign by the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin during the Cold War era. This misinformation aimed to sow confusion and distrust in Western governments and was not rooted in factual evidence. While conspiracy theories about Hitler's survival continue to circulate, they should be viewed with skepticism and critically evaluated in light of established historical facts.

The Death of Seth Rich

(Photo courtesy of the Rich family)

The death of Seth Rich, a Democratic National Committee employee, tragically became the center of right-wing conspiracy theories. These unfounded claims alleged that Rich had been involved in the leaking of DNC emails in 2016, a notion at odds with the U.S. intelligence community's conclusion that the email leaks were part of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. Law enforcement and reputable fact-checking websites like PolitiFact.com, Snopes.com, and FactCheck.org unequivocally debunked these conspiracy theories. Prominent news outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post categorized these fabrications as fake news and falsehoods. The Seth Rich conspiracy theories exemplify the damaging potential of misinformation and the need for critical thinking and evidence-based reporting in today's information landscape.

Covid-19 & Predictive Programming

(getty images)

The concept of "predictive programming" is a conspiracy theory that suggests fictional media is intentionally crafted to foreshadow planned events, such as false flags, technological developments, or societal shifts, with the aim of conditioning and manipulating the public into accepting these events more readily. This theory has been applied to various events, including the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing connections to popular media like Die Hard, The Simpsons, and Contagion.

However, it's crucial to emphasize that predictive programming is not grounded in credible evidence and is widely discredited. While it's natural to identify patterns and coincidences in media, attributing these to intentional manipulation can perpetuate unfounded conspiracy theories and detract from well-established explanations for major events. It's essential to approach such claims with skepticism and rely on verifiable information and expert analysis when assessing their validity.

The Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Is A Hot Bed of Conspiracy Theories

(REUTERS/Mike Segar)

Conspiracy theories surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 have been particularly distressing and baseless. One notable theory emerged when former professor and conspiracy theorist James Tracy suggested that the government may have hired an acting agency, Visionbox, to stage the tragedy. This crisis actor conspiracy theory falsely claims that events like the Sandy Hook shooting and the Boston Marathon bombing are "false flag operations" orchestrated by government or corporate entities for various ulterior motives. Prominent conspiracy theorists, such as Alex Jones and outlets like True Pundit, propagated these unfounded claims.

In response, parents of the Sandy Hook victims initiated a lawsuit against Alex Jones and InfoWars for defamation, with a court ruling against Jones and ordering substantial damages for his irresponsible dissemination of false information. Such conspiracy theories, based on misinformation and falsehoods, can cause significant harm to the victims and their families, underscoring the importance of responsible and evidence-based reporting.

MKUltra

(WHYY)

The MKUltra project, a genuine and secretive CIA program in the 1950s and 1960s aimed at researching chemical interrogation and mind-control techniques, has become a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. These theories have proliferated, particularly after CIA Director Richard Helms ordered the destruction of all files related to the project in 1973. Some of these allegations suggest connections between MKUltra and various other conspiracy theories, such as Project Monarch, which often revolve around mind control and manipulation. One notable claim suggests a link between MKUltra and the mass fatality that occurred at Jonestown in 1978, alleging that it was somehow connected to an MKUltra experiment. While the actual MKUltra program's activities are well-documented and have raised ethical concerns, conspiracy theories surrounding it often blend fact with fiction, making it essential to scrutinize such claims critically and rely on credible sources for a clearer understanding of historical events.

Was Princess Diana’s Death Actually an Accident?

(getty images)

The death of Princess Diana in a tragic car crash in 1997 has been a wellspring of conspiracy theories from the outset. While the specifics of these theories vary, they typically revolve around the belief that her fatal accident was not a mere coincidence. One prevailing narrative suggests that the British monarchy, fearful of Diana's relationship with Dodi Fayed, an Egyptian film producer, who was planning to propose to her, orchestrated the crash. Mohamed al-Fayed, Dodi's father, argued in a court statement that the monarchy couldn't tolerate Diana and Prince Charles's sons having an Egyptian-Muslim stepfather.

Another theory implicates the intoxicated limo driver, Henri Paul, as potentially being involved due to his position at the Ritz Hotel, where the couple had departed from. Some believe he may have been connected to a national intelligence service group with sinister intentions. Another theory revolves around Diana's medical care after the crash, with some suggesting it was sabotaged. These conspiracy theories, despite their persistence, lack credible evidence and have been widely debunked by official investigations and expert assessments.

There’s A Hidden Chamber Filled With Government Secrets Behind Mount Rushmore

(shutterstock)

The conspiracy theory surrounding Mount Rushmore revolves around the hidden chamber within the monument, situated behind Abraham Lincoln's head. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum originally designed this space to house important American documents and serve as a shrine. However, due to budget constraints in 1939, the ambitious plans were scaled back, and progress on the chamber came to a halt. Borglum's passing further added to the mystery. In 1998, Borglum's family placed porcelain panels with inscriptions from the documents he had intended to house there, turning the room into a memorial.

Despite this, conspiracy theorists speculate that this off-limits area conceals government secrets and classified files. While the notion of hidden chambers can be intriguing, there's no concrete evidence to support such claims, and the room remains a historical curiosity rather than a center of covert activity.

Shakespeare Didn't Write His Own Plays

(getty images)

The belief that William Shakespeare may not have written his own plays has intrigued scholars and skeptics alike for centuries. With limited historical records about Shakespeare's life, some theorists propose that he was a mere pseudonym for a more educated and accomplished writer, such as Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, or even Christopher Marlowe.

The theory surrounding Marlowe, in particular, is elaborate, suggesting that he didn't meet his supposed demise in a 1593 tavern brawl but was instead spirited away to France, where he continued to write under the Shakespeare name for the next two decades. This notion has found support from notable figures throughout history, including Orson Welles, Sigmund Freud, and Mark Twain.

The complexity of this theory has grown with recent research, such as the Oxford University Press's 2016 crediting of Marlowe as a co-author of three Henry VI plays, based on vocabulary analysis. However, the authorship question remains a topic of debate among scholars, and the consensus continues to attribute Shakespeare as the primary playwright of his works.

 John Wilkes Booth Was Never Caught

(public domain)

According to this theory, Booth successfully fled the barn where he is believed to have met his end and adopted the name John St. Helen, living until 1903. The theory was promoted by author Finis L. Bates, who published a book titled The Escape and Suicide of John Wilkes Booth in 1907, claiming that St. Helen had confessed to being Booth and alleging that the assassination was part of a plan by Andrew Jackson to secure the presidency.

Bates even displayed what he claimed to be the preserved body of Booth for public viewing, profiting from the morbid curiosity surrounding the story. Booth's descendants have sought to have his grave in Baltimore exhumed for identification, but their requests have not been granted by any court, leaving the conspiracy theory a contentious and unproven historical mystery.

Nero May Have Set Fire To Rome

(ILLUSTRATION BY M. DE LIPMAN, FROM QUO VADIS, NERO AND THE BURNING OF ROME (1897))

Nero, who took control of Rome at a young age, faced suspicion due to the devastating nine-day fire that swept through the city, destroying large portions of it. Some argue that it was highly convenient for Nero that he was away in Antium during the blaze. The theory suggests that by partially destroying the city, he could rebuild it according to his preferences, including the construction of the extravagant Domus Aurea, which might have faced opposition from the social elite under normal circumstances. Tacitus, one of Rome's historians, famously claimed that Nero played his fiddle while Rome burned, although the fiddle had not yet been invented. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, suspicions persist that Nero may have had a hand in the fire, making it one of history's enduring conspiracy theories.

The U.S. Developed an Invisible Warship

(ap)

The conspiracy theory suggesting that the U.S. government developed an invisible warship is rooted in the infamous legend of the "Philadelphia Experiment." According to this theory, in July 1943, officials at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard allegedly used electrical field manipulation to render the USS Eldridge invisible. Moreover, the ship was said to have been teleported from Philadelphia to Norfolk, Virginia, demonstrating time travel capabilities. These claims were primarily propagated by Carl Meredith Allen, who claimed to be an eyewitness and sent his account to UFO author Morris K. Jessup.

Although Jessup never published these claims, they became the focus of Charles Berlitz's 1979 book, The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility. However, naval records contradicted this theory, showing that the Eldridge was not in commission on the day in question, and it was stationed in New York Harbor rather than Philadelphia or Virginia. The theory likely emerged from the Navy's efforts at that time to make ships undetectable to magnetic mines by running electrical currents through them, rendering them "invisible" to the mines, albeit not to the human eye.

Was Queen Elizabeth I Actually A Man?

(JT Vintage/age fotostock)

The strange historical belief suggesting that Queen Elizabeth I of England was actually a man has intrigued minds for centuries. Queen Elizabeth, who reigned for 44 years from 1558 to 1603, achieved remarkable feats during her rule, including the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the unification of a divided country. However, her steadfast refusal to marry earned her the moniker of the Virgin Queen. This celibacy policy led some, including Dracula author Bram Stoker, to speculate that she might have been a man in disguise. Stoker's interest in the theory was sparked during a visit to Bisley in the Cotswolds, where he encountered a May Day celebration featuring a boy dressed as the May Queen in Elizabethan attire. Stoker learned of a local legend suggesting that the young Elizabeth had visited Bisley during a plague outbreak, fell ill, and died.

To conceal her death from her temperamental father, King Henry VIII, a boy resembling Elizabeth was supposedly found and disguised as the queen. This deception, if it ever happened, remained undetected, and the unknown boy grew up to rule England, supposedly using wigs, heavy makeup, and neck coverings to conceal his true gender. Although Stoker popularized this theory in the early 1900s, it may have originated during Elizabeth's reign as a way for some male subjects to reconcile themselves with the idea of a female ruler.

Andrew Jackson’s Supporters Were Allegedly Plotting A Coup If Their Candidate Lost to President Adams

(Wikimedia Commons)

In the fiercely contested 1828 presidential campaign, conspiracy theories ran rampant, with accusations going both ways. One notable theory alleged that supporters of Andrew Jackson, the eventual victor, were plotting a coup d'état if their candidate lost to President John Quincy Adams. This theory revolved around the belief that pro-Jackson congressmen, unhappy with the government's push for a new tariff on imports, held secret meetings to discuss the dissolution of the Union.

Some even speculated that Jackson might be placed in the Presidential Chair through the use of military force, suggesting the involvement of fifty thousand bayonets. While this notion of a military rebellion led by Jackson had no basis in reality, it reflected the highly charged political atmosphere of the time. Despite the lack of evidence, conspiracy theories persisted throughout Jackson's presidency, illustrating the enduring power of such rhetoric in shaping political narratives during that era.

Meriwether Lewis Didn't End His Own Life — He Was Murdered

(public domain)

The strange belief that Meriwether Lewis, the renowned explorer, did not commit suicide but was actually murdered has intrigued historians for years. Lewis met a tragic end on October 10, 1809, at a lodge along the Natchez Trace, where he reportedly shot himself, resulting in fatal wounds and his burial nearby. While there appeared to be reasons for Lewis's apparent suicide, including disappointment over not finding the Northwest Passage during his famous expedition with William Clark and his dissatisfaction with a desk-bound life, some argue that the trail was fraught with bandits who could have confronted Lewis in a deadly struggle.

The theory gains traction from the fact that a trained marksman like Lewis would not typically need to shoot himself multiple times to achieve a fatal outcome. In the 1840s, when Lewis's body was exhumed, examiners made comments suggesting that his injuries resembled the work of an assassin. Some of Lewis's descendants have sought another exhumation to look for gunpowder traces that might indicate whether a weapon was fired at close range or from a distance. However, due to the National Park Service's jurisdiction over Lewis's burial site and their reluctance to grant permission for exhumations, the theory remains untested and continues to fuel speculation.

Oliver Cromwell Was Never Exhumed

(public domain)

The odd belief that Oliver Cromwell was never exhumed adds an intriguing twist to the posthumous fate of the Lord Protector of England, Ireland, and Scotland. After Cromwell's death in 1658, King Charles II's parliament ordered the exhumation of Cromwell's body, along with those of Henry Ireton and John Bradshaw, to be posthumously hanged. This vengeful act was a response to the trio's earlier order for the execution of King Charles I. However, some proponents of the theory suggest that Cromwell had secretly altered the planned location of his tomb in Westminster Abbey to avoid such a fate.

According to this speculation, the body unearthed by King Charles II's men may not have been Cromwell's at all. In a particularly fanciful variation of the theory, there is even speculation that the men inadvertently dug up King Charles I instead and were in the process of hanging him before realizing their mistake, adding a macabre and ironic twist to this historical mystery.