Unit 12: Conspiracy Theory Concept Checkpoint

What is a conspiracy theory?

• something we don't know yet, but we're looking for real answers

• belief that powerful people or organizations are secretly working together to cause harm or control events

• historical event documented in primary sources and confirmed by mainstream historians.

• fact that has been verified by multiple credible sources and experts in the field.

What is a mystery?

• something we don't know yet, but we're looking for real answers

• belief that powerful people or organizations are secretly working together to cause harm or control events

• historical event documented in primary sources and confirmed by mainstream historians.

• fact that has been verified by multiple credible sources and experts in the field.

SELECT THREE characteristics of a conspiracy theory

• Documented in primary historical sources

• Appeal to authority (ex. "An expert said so..."

• Distrust of institutions (media, scientists, government, experts) - claim they are lying

• Endorsed and promoted by government agencies

• Lack of credible evidence

What is the era that saw an increase in conspiracy theories?

• Post 9/11

• Colonial America

• Early 1900’s in Industrialization

• Cold War

What is one reason that mysteries remain unsolved?

• Because scientists and investigators intentionally choose not to solve them

• Because all the evidence needed to solve them has been destroyed

• Because solving them would be too easy and therefore not interesting

• Especially in older cases, there is limited technology

In the official ruling, the Warren Commission, on the JFK Assassination,

what was the name of the assassin?

• Lee Harvey Oswald

• OJ Simpson

• Bob Lazar

• John Wilkes Booth

In the official ruling, the Warren Commission, on the JFK Assassination, what two official things were found?

• Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone

• the CIA was involved in the killing

• Oswald acted with his brother

• 3 shots were fired

• 8 shots were fired

What is the name of the most complete film of the JFK assassination?

• HSCA Film

• Zapruder Film

• Oswald Film

• Warren Film

What is the Grassy Knoll Theory in the JFK Assassination Conspiracy?

• Suggests that a second shooter was located on the grassy knoll during JFK's assassination

• Argues that anyone in the grassy knoll could not see the assassination

• Suggests that the assassination was staged by the government.

• Claims that JFK was shot from a passing car.

What is the Umbrella Man theory in the JFK assassination?

• Suggests that a man with an umbrella was simply protecting himself from the rain during the parade

• Official explanation endorsed by the Warren Commission for how Kennedy was assassinated

• That a man holding an open black umbrella on a sunny day was signaling co-conspirators or firing a weapon

• Claims that multiple people with umbrellas were positioned throughout Dealey Plaza as part of a coordinated assassination plot