TED-Ed: Are the Illuminati real? | Chip Berlet

The video explores the rise and fall of the Illuminati, founded by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria to promote Enlightenment ideals against the Church's influence. The society expanded by recruiting from the Freemasons but was dissolved by a government ban. Despite its brief existence, the Illuminati became infamous through conspiracy theories, though no evidence supports their continued existence. The ideas they championed, however, influenced modern Western governance.

What was the primary reason Adam Weishaupt founded the Illuminati?

• To establish a political party

• To promote secular philosophy and critique church ideology

• To support the Catholic Church's influence

• To create a new religious order

How did the Illuminati expand their influence in the late 18th century?

• By organizing public protests

• By publishing their ideas in newspapers

• By recruiting from the Freemasons and incorporating their rituals

• By forming alliances with European monarchs

What was the reaction of European monarchs and clergy to the Illuminati?

• They supported the Illuminati's ideals

• They were indifferent to the Illuminati

• They feared revolts inspired by the Illuminati

• They joined the Illuminati

What led to the decline of the Illuminati?

• A decree by Duke Karl Theodor banning secret societies

• A lack of interest from the public

• Internal conflicts within the group

• Financial difficulties

What is the lasting impact of the ideas that inspired the Illuminati?

• They are only discussed in conspiracy theories

• They led to the formation of new secret societies

• They continue to influence Western governments

• They have been completely forgotten