The Paranoia of Wartime: A Peculiar Conspiracy

This chapter explores a bizarre World War One conspiracy theory about a list of 47,000 Britons allegedly blackmailed by German spies over sexual orientation. It weaves historical context with humorous anecdotes, showcasing societal paranoia and absurdities surrounding espionage, including the origins of MI5 and MI6. Through the lens of fascinating figures and eccentric stories, the chapter examines the intersection of morality, sexuality, and the paranoia of war.