Learn how a group of America's wealthiest men almost succeeded in overthrowing President Roosevelt and establishing a fascist state. Explore their plan, propaganda funding, and the role of General Smedley Butler. Unveil their motivations, connection to Nazi Germany, and the investigation that followed. Casual conversations and updates are also included.
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Quick takeaways
Retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler played a crucial role in uncovering and exposing the Business Plot, a conspiracy by wealthy businessmen to establish a fascist government in the United States.
Smedley Butler's transformation from a 'gangster for capitalism' to a vocal advocate for veterans and military reform highlights the power of self-reflection and the potential for individuals to challenge established systems for the greater good.
The Business Plot serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking within society and the importance of individuals like Butler who are willing to stand up for democracy.
Deep dives
Butler becomes suspicious of Maguire's intentions
Butler grows suspicious of Maguire's intentions as he realizes that the speeches he was asked to give were about the gold standard, not about helping veterans. Maguire flashes a large sum of money in an attempt to convince Butler, but Butler remains steadfast in his commitment to democracy and refuses to support any ulterior motives.
Maguire proposes creating a veterans organization to influence FDR
Maguire suggests forming a veterans organization that would support President Roosevelt and push for policies favorable to the rich backers. He wants to create a new cabinet position called Secretary of General Affairs to handle the actual work of the president, while FDR becomes a ceremonial figurehead. Butler is initially interested in the idea of organizing veterans for a cause, but questions Maguire's intentions and the source of the vast amount of money. He becomes determined to find another credible witness to corroborate the plans.
Butler refuses to lead the proposed veterans organization
Although intrigued by the concept of a veterans organization, Butler rejects Maguire's offer to lead it. He voices concerns about the potential for fascism and refuses to support any movement that resembles such a system. Butler realizes the danger posed by the wealthy backers and their plans for power. He focuses on finding another witness who can testify to Congress about the plot.
French, a Philadelphia journalist, joins Butler in gathering evidence
Butler enlists the help of journalist Paul calmly French to gather evidence and corroborate the plans of Maguire and his wealthy backers. French meets with Maguire and extracts admissions about the desire for a fascist state and the need for a strong leader like Butler. French takes detailed notes of their conversations, preparing for the eventual testimony before Congress.
The Business Plot: A Plot to Overthrow American Democracy
The podcast episode explores the Business Plot, a conspiracy to overthrow American democracy in the 1930s. The plot involved wealthy businessmen seeking to establish a fascist government in the United States. Retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler played a crucial role in uncovering and exposing the plot. He was approached by key figures who wanted him to lead a private army of veterans in a coup against President Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, Butler chose to expose the conspiracy to Congress, providing testimony on the plan. Although his claims were verified, the investigation was never concluded and no one was held accountable. The Business Plot serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking within society and the importance of individuals like Butler who are willing to stand up for democracy.
The Radicalization of Smedley Butler and his Fight against War Profiteering
The podcast episode delves into the transformation of Smedley Butler, a highly decorated Marine Corps officer, from being a 'gangster for capitalism' to a staunch critic of war and corruption. Butler's experiences in the military, specifically his role in American imperialism and military interventions, led him to question the motivations behind wars and the exploitation of soldiers for corporate profits. He became a vocal advocate for veterans and a proponent of military reform, arguing for defensive military strategies and stringent limitations on corporate and financial influence. Butler's story highlights the power of self-reflection and the potential for individuals to evolve and challenge established systems for the greater good.
In the early 1930s a consortium of America's wealthiest men conspires to overthrow President Roosevelt and institute a fascist state. This is the story of how they almost succeeded.
