
Iron Mountain: the conspiracy that duped America
History Extra podcast
00:00
Truth, Hoaxes, and Conspiracy in Politics
This chapter explores the implications of hoaxes and the cognitive processes that lead individuals to interpret fiction as evidence, impacting societal beliefs about truth. It discusses the influence of political climate on the rise of conspiracy theories, particularly during the Johnson and Nixon administrations, and highlights the dynamics of disempowerment and distrust. The legacy of the controversial 'Report from Iron Mountain' illustrates how such narratives have been repurposed by fringe movements to validate extremist ideologies in today's socio-political landscape.
Transcript
Play full episode