Chart of the World Revolution
- Title:
- Chart of the World Revolution
- Alternate Title:
- Chart of the World Revolution
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- Webster, Nesta H.
- Date:
- 1921
- Posted Date:
- 2024-04-25
- ID Number:
- 2559.01
- File Name:
- PJM_2559_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1920 - 1939
- Subject:
- Politics & Government
Imperialism - Measurement:
- 29 x 44 sheet (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- This complex "Chart of the World Revolution" was produced by one of the most significant conspiracy theorists of the 20th century, Nesta Webster.
In her 1921 book, "World Revolution: the Plot Against Civilization," Webster contended that a centuries-old, ongoing conspiratorial revolution "has smouldered steadily beneath the ancient structure of civilization . . . threatening to destroy to its very foundations that social edifice which eighteen centuries have been spent in constructing." She cautioned that the source of this existential threat "must be sought not in popular discontent, but in a deep-laid conspiracy." Her work aims to trace "not only the evolution of Socialist and Anarchist ideas and their effects in succeeding revolutionary outbreaks, but at the same time to follow the workings of that occult force, terrible, unchanging, relentless, and wholly destructive, which constitutes the greatest menace that has ever confronted the human race." World Revolution, Forward.
Webster argued that this grand conspiracy began with a secret agreement in 1782, between Grand Orient Freemasonry and the recreated Illuminati, to undertake a "revolutionary campaign aimed at transforming human societies. Their goals included the creation of general mayhem and the destruction of all governments and religion. Through this, human beings could regain 'primitive liberty,' an idealized state of existence that existed before the chains of civilization limited human behavior and potential." Lee 2005. 90. The chart details people, organizations and events advancing those goals through Anarchy, "Internationalism," and Socialism from the 18th century to 1920. On this version of the chart (from a later reprint), "Red denotes the open revolutionary forces, black the hidden forces of the Secret Societies."
Although Webster was "an important political figure during her lifetime, . . . she is perhaps even more influential today. Her ideas have taken root in the American far right," including the John Birch Society, Pat Robertson's Christian Crusade, "American Patriot and Militia movements," and "many radical Islamist" groups. Lee 81, 95-96. These organizations "have focused on her conspiracy writings [which offer] a refuge from the threat of modernity and globalization." Ibid. 98.
The collection also includes a detailed chart of "Marxian Socialism" that accompanied Webster's 1926 book "The Socialist Network." ID # 2622. That work was "a sort of guide-book" to "the ramifications of the Socialist movement [that] have now become so vast and complicated that it is almost impossible to follow." The Socialist Network, 14.
Cornell University Library is pleased to present this digital collection of Persuasive Maps, the originals of which have been collected and described by the private collector PJ Mode. The descriptive information in the “Collector’s Notes” has been supplied by Mr. Mode and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cornell University. - Source:
- Webster, Nesta H. 1921. World Revolution. The Plot Against Civilization. London: Constable and Company.
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.