Introduction
The Rothschild and Rockefeller families are at the center of numerous financial and economic conspiracy theories. Believers claim these dynasties secretly control global finance, banking systems, and even world politics.
Origins
Speculation about the Rothschilds began in the 19th century, with accusations of manipulation during the Napoleonic wars. Rockefeller-related conspiracies grew in the early 20th century, as Standard Oil became a corporate giant.
Key Examples
- Claims that these families direct the Federal Reserve and IMF.
- Beliefs about secret meetings like Bilderberg and Trilateral Commission.
- Theories connecting them to wars and financial crises.
Critical Analysis
Historians argue that such theories exaggerate influence, often using anti-Semitic tropes. Supporters see patterns of elite control in economic trends.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Ferguson, Niall – “The House of Rothschild” – Penguin, 1998. Ferguson, House of Rothschild. Penguin, 1998.
- Chernow, Ron – “Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.” – Vintage, 2004. Chernow, Titan. Vintage, 2004.
- Carroll Quigley – “Tragedy and Hope” – GSG & Associates, 1966. Quigley, Tragedy and Hope. GSG, 1966.
- Michael Barkun – “A Culture of Conspiracy” – University of California Press, 2013. Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy. UCP, 2013.
- Kevin Phillips – “Wealth and Democracy” – Broadway Books, 2002. Phillips, Wealth and Democracy. Broadway, 2002.
- Stephen Birmingham – “Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York” – Harper, 1967. Birmingham, Our Crowd. Harper, 1967.
- Oliver Bullough – “Moneyland” – St. Martin’s Press, 2019. Bullough, Moneyland. St. Martin’s, 2019.
- Matt Taibbi – “Griftopia” – Spiegel & Grau, 2010. Taibbi, Griftopia. Spiegel, 2010.
- Ben Mezrich – “Billion Dollar Whale” – Hachette, 2018. Mezrich, Billion Dollar Whale. Hachette, 2018.