"America's Pre-Revolutionary Obsession with Conspiracy Theories"

From the early days of the American republic to the present, conspiracy theories have thrived, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about racial and religious strife, technological and economic change. The Illuminati and Freemasons were the focus of early conspiracy theories, and similar themes persist today with QAnon and other modern beliefs. These theories often emerge during times of uncertainty and distrust, and have occasionally led to real-world actions, such as the Capitol riot in 2021. Despite the prevalence of conspiracy theories, history shows that America has weathered such challenges before, offering hope for rebuilding trust and strengthening civic life.