Famous Conspiracy Theories. Quiz | Specialized History

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This particular organisation is held to be responsible for, amongst other things: the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the creation of economic depressions and recessions. It is also said to be able to manipulate the world's banks at will. The organisation was also said to be name-checked in an address by President Bush on September 11, 1990. Many believers of this organisation believe that it is responsible for globalisation. Which organisation is this?

Answer: New World Order

The aim of the 'New World Order' is stated to be the total control of the world. One of their control centres is rumoured to be located under Denver International Airport. Many true believers feel that the New World order is in the league with the devil.

The Illuminati refers to several groups of the same name. They were held by many to be responsible for several uprisings in Europe during the nineteenth century. Some theorists believe that the Illuminati are active in the New World Order.

The Freemasons are a collection of fraternal lodges that are located throughout the world. They originated in Europe possibly as early as 1390, although most records date their establishment to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Mafia is a well-known criminal organisation that was established in Sicily, most likely in the 19th century. There have been a number of movies and books outlining their structure.

2. In the summer of 1888 London was gripped by a series of horrific murders which have never been solved. A number of suspects have been suggested, including a famous artist, a member of the Royal family, and a highly respected physician. One theory for the killings was that it was to cover up a secret marriage between a member of the royal family and a young shopgirl. Members of a secret organisation were said to be responsible for carrying out the killings to conceal this marriage. What was the name of the organisation to which they belonged?

Answer: The Freemasons

'Evidence' for the Freemason theory includes one of the victims being found in Mitre Square (mitres being a symbol of the Masons) and that the mutilations to the bodies were supposedly similar to those found in some descriptions of Masonic rituals. This theory states that Prince Albert Victor married a Catholic shop girl called Anne Crook.

When this marriage was discovered Queen Victoria, his grandmother, ordered that the story be covered up. The task was given allegedly to the Royal physician, and he along with fellow Freemasons organised for the removal of the shop girl to an asylum and killed the friends that were aware of the secret marriage.

3. This Australian Prime Minster disappeared in mysterious circumstances in December 1967. Was it a UFO? A Chinese midget submarine? Suicide? Or a tragic accident? Who was he?

Answer: Harold Holt

Harold Holt held his office for barely two years. He disappeared while swimming in heavy surf off the coast of Victoria. Despite one of the largest searches in Australian history his body was never found. While it is likely he drowned, a number of rumours have circulated regarding his disappearance. Most recently, a book was published suggesting hat he committed suicide.

Gough Whitlam also served a short period as Australian Prime Minister. He was dismissed in controversial circumstances in 1975 by the Governor General.

Robert Menzies was the longest serving Prime Minister in Australian history (serving for 18 years, including 1949-1966). He was succeeded as Prime Minister by Harold Holt on January 26 1966. Interestingly, this date is Australia Day, commemorating the arrival of the 'First Fleet' of European settlers in 1788.

4. Evidence for this conspiracy theory includes mathematical formulae, the ability to calculate Pi to fifteen decimal places, the alignment of certain monuments on the meridian, and the location of these monuments all around the world. This information is used to prove that aliens helped to build which well-known structures?

Answer: Pyramid

The complexity involved in the construction of the pyramids (particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza) helps to fuel the various conspiracy theories surrounding the pyramids. However, it is likely that the ancient Egyptians had a high level of mathematical knowledge which is demonstrated in the construction of the pyramids.

5. Research shows that between 6-20% of Americans believe in this particular conspiracy. Notable figures said to have helped in the construction of this particular hoax include Stanley Kubrick and Walt Disney. Evidence used to support focuses on photographic evidence. Which conspiracy theory is this?

Answer: The Apollo moon landings

The main evidence used by the conspiracy theorists is that the quality of photographs taken on the moon is too high. They also point to the visibility of cross hairs in some pictures, the lack of stars in the background, and the similarity of backgrounds. A Wikipedia entry on this topic has quotes from Bill Clinton and Norman Mailer regarding this issue.

6. Evidence for this theory includes: debris, tinfoil, pieces of rubber and tough paper, found in a field near Roswell, New Mexico. When this material was first noted, it was left for three weeks before being examined further. This material was believed to be the first evidence of which phenomenon?

Answer: UFO's (Unidentified Flying Objects)

A farm assistant, William Brazel, first spotted the debris in June of 1947. It took approximately three weeks for it to be reported to the local police. The reporting of the material led to a press release being issued to state that the local Air Force unit had located material from a 'flying disc' crash. This story was then picked up and used as evidence of alien aircraft.

7. This organisation became more widely known after the publication of 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It is an institution of the Catholic Church, and the translation of its Latin name means 'God's Work'. It is rumoured to be linked to an assassination hit squad in the United States of America, to be preventing reform of the Catholic church, and a potential revival of the Crusades. Which organisation is this?

Answer: Opus Dei

Opus Dei was featured in the highly popular 'The Da Vinci Code' book by Dan Brown. Opus Dei has been strongly criticised for its secrecy and its political influence (former and current members include politicians from a number of countries, as well as members of the media).

It is also linked to the practice of 'mortification of the flesh' (including self-flagellation). As it is a staunchly traditional society, it has also come in for criticism for preventing church reform.

8. This conspiracy theory has gained more attention in recent time due to a number of books, films and even a court case alleging plagiarism. The basic details of the theory are: Jesus of Nazareth was married to Mary Magdalene and had a child or children with her. The descendants of this family were hidden, as evidence of their survival would threaten the Roman Catholic Church. This plot-line was the basis for which popular book?

Answer: The Da Vinci Code

The story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene has been popular for a number of years. It featured in a number of books, including 'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' (Richard Leigh and Michael Baigent unsuccessfully sued Dan Brown alleging that he plagiarised material from their book in the Da Vinci Code). It is an interesting theory, but like many conspiracy theories there is no conclusive evidence.

'Angels and Demons' was an earlier book written by Dan Brown, and features the Illuminati, in a plot to blow up the Vatican City with antimatter.

'The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail' outlines the theory that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had children.

9. One of the most famous women in the world died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Diana, the Princess of Wales was killed with her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul. Dodi Fayed's famous father, Mohamed Al-Fayed claimed that the accident was a deliberate assassination. Whom did he blame for the accident?

Answer: Duke of Edinburgh

Mohamed Al-Fayed criticised the Royal Family, blaming the Duke of Edinburgh (husband of Queen Elizabeth II) for the accident. He claimed that the couple were assassinated by the British Secret Service as the Royal Family did not approve of Diana's relationships. After a six month inquest, it was concluded that the accident was the result of negligent driving by Henri Paul.

10. The number of theories surrounding the death of President John F Kennedy is high. These include the claim that there was more than one gunman; that Lee Harvey Oswald was a KGB assassin; the fatal shot came from the 'grassy knoll' and that there was more than one bullet. What was the name of the first official investigation into the assassination?

Answer: The Warren Commission

The day that the President was killed, Morgan Gallup undertook a poll which showed that 52% of Americans believed that the President died as the result of a conspiracy. A number of inquests and commissions have reviewed the evidence of the assassination and their findings conflict with that of the Warren Commission (the official investigation into President Kennedy's death).

The footage of the incident is compelling.

Source: Author Tan72

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Famous Conspiracy Theories. Trivia Quiz

We've all heard them - those stories from a 'friend of a friend' explaining away some of those oddities of history or bizarre and strange happenings. Welcome to the interesting, bizarre and slightly bonkers world of conspiracy theories.

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