| Record | OBS-0640 |
|---|---|
| Category | Secret Societies/Groups |
| Status | DEBUNKED |
| Summary | The Illuminati conspiracy theory claims that a secret society, the Bavarian Illuminati, continues to exist and manipulate world events, often as the driving force behind the New World Order. Proponents believe this group of elites controls governments, media, and financial systems. The theory exaggerates the historical Illuminati's power and longevity. |
| Origin | The historical Order of the Illuminati was founded in Bavaria in 1776 and dissolved in 1787. Conspiracy theories about its continued existence and influence emerged in the late 18th century and have persisted in popular culture. |
| Claimed |
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| Evidence / consensus | The historical Illuminati was a short-lived Enlightenment-era group that was dissolved and has no verified continuation. Claims of its ongoing influence are unsupported by evidence. |
Sources are external and provided for verification. Listing does not imply the Observer endorses their claims.