History is full of strange and unsettling stories, but few rival the bizarre and little-known tale of a plot to overthrow the President of the United States in the 1930s. At the heart of this conspiracy was Smedley Butler, one of America’s most decorated and outspoken military heroes. His decision to expose the plot not only stopped a potential coup but also served as a chilling reminder of the fragility of democracy.
This is the story of Smedley Butler, the so-called “Business Plot,” and how one man’s courage prevented a dark chapter in American history.
Who Was Smedley Butler?
Smedley Darlington Butler was born on July 30, 1881, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, into a family deeply rooted in American politics and military service. His father, Thomas Butler, was a prominent congressman, and young Smedley grew up steeped in the ideals of service and patriotism.
At just 16, Butler left school to join the Marine Corps, lying about his age to enlist during the Spanish-American War. Over the next 33 years, Butler built a legendary career, participating in conflicts from the Boxer Rebellion to World War I. Known for his fearless leadership, Butler earned two Medals of Honor and became one of the most decorated Marines in U.S. history.
Butler’s reputation wasn’t just for his battlefield prowess. He was revered for his ability to connect with his troops, earning their loyalty through his hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to their welfare. This reputation for integrity and his subsequent outspokenness after retiring made him an ideal candidate for the conspirators—but also their worst nightmare.
The Economic and Political Turmoil of the 1930s
The Great Depression was a time of profound hardship and unrest. By the early 1930s, unemployment had skyrocketed, banks were collapsing, and the American public’s faith in capitalism was faltering. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal aimed to stabilize the economy with sweeping reforms, including public works programs and tighter regulations on big business. While many Americans welcomed these changes, others—particularly the nation’s wealthiest industrialists—saw Roosevelt as a dangerous radical threatening their wealth and influence.
The conspirators behind the Business Plot allegedly viewed Roosevelt as a threat to the economic and social order they had long controlled. His reforms, which included taxing the wealthy and empowering labor unions, were seen as steps toward socialism. To counter this, they sought to orchestrate a coup, installing a government that would roll back these changes and restore their dominance.
The Plot Takes Shape
In 1933, representatives of the plot approached Smedley Butler. They claimed to represent powerful figures in American industry and finance, and they believed Butler’s status as a war hero and his popularity among veterans made him the perfect leader for their scheme.
According to Butler’s later testimony, the conspirators laid out an audacious plan. They wanted him to lead an army of 500,000 veterans—many of whom were suffering during the Depression—on a march to Washington, D.C. The force would demand Roosevelt’s resignation or compliance, paving the way for the creation of a new authoritarian regime. The conspirators claimed they had the financial backing to make it happen, with $3 million already secured and promises of millions more.
The plotters also planned to use the American Legion, a prominent veterans’ organization, to legitimize their efforts. They believed that leveraging Butler’s credibility with veterans would give their movement broad public support.
Butler Blows the Whistle
Butler was deeply disturbed by what he heard. Though he was critical of Roosevelt’s policies, Butler was unwavering in his loyalty to democratic principles. Playing along with the conspirators to gather evidence, Butler documented meetings and conversations with meticulous detail.
In November 1934, Butler took his findings to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). His testimony was explosive, naming prominent industrialists and exposing the conspirators’ plan to subvert democracy. Butler’s reputation added weight to his claims, forcing Congress to take the allegations seriously.
The Aftermath and Quiet Burial
Despite the gravity of Butler’s testimony, the government’s response was muted. HUAC confirmed elements of Butler’s story and acknowledged that there had been discussions of a coup. However, no one was prosecuted, and the plot was largely dismissed by the press. Many historians believe the lack of action stemmed from a reluctance to antagonize powerful figures during a fragile economic recovery.
Some of the alleged conspirators, such as those tied to the DuPont family, faced public scrutiny, but most denied involvement and continued their influential careers. For Butler, the lack of accountability was frustrating, but he remained committed to exposing corruption and defending democratic ideals.
The Character of Smedley Butler
Historians often credit Butler’s character as the decisive factor in thwarting the plot. A man of deep integrity, Butler was unafraid to challenge authority, a trait evident throughout his military career. He was known for standing up for his troops, often risking his own reputation to ensure their safety and fair treatment.
Butler’s post-retirement activism was equally fearless. In speeches and writings like War Is a Racket, he denounced the exploitation of soldiers for corporate profit, warning of the dangers of militarism and unchecked power. His outspoken nature made him a trusted figure among veterans and working-class Americans, but it also made him a threat to the establishment.
It’s precisely this combination of integrity, courage, and popularity that made Butler an appealing figure to the conspirators—and the worst possible choice for their scheme. His moral compass and commitment to transparency left them no room to maneuver. By exposing the plot, Butler reaffirmed his loyalty to the principles of democracy, not to individuals or institutions.
Why This Story Matters Today
The story of Smedley Butler and the Business Plot is a sobering reminder of democracy’s vulnerabilities. It shows that the threat to democratic institutions often comes from within, driven by those seeking to consolidate power at the expense of the public good. Butler’s actions highlight the importance of vigilance, courage, and moral integrity in preserving democratic values.
At a time when political polarization and economic inequality dominate headlines, Butler’s story feels particularly relevant. His willingness to stand against powerful interests, even at personal risk, serves as an enduring example of principled leadership.
Smedley Butler wasn’t just a war hero—he was a defender of democracy. His decision to blow the whistle on the Business Plot prevented what could have been one of the darkest chapters in American history. Today, his legacy challenges us to remain vigilant and committed to protecting the values that define a free society.
References
- “War Is a Racket” by Smedley D. Butler: In this seminal work, Butler critiques the military-industrial complex and discusses how war serves the interests of profiteers at the expense of soldiers and citizens.
- “The Business Plot” – Wikipedia: This article provides an overview of the 1933 conspiracy, detailing the key figures involved and the subsequent congressional investigation.
- “The Business Plot: When A Group Of U.S. Bankers Staged A Fascist Coup” – All That’s Interesting: An in-depth exploration of the plot, examining the motivations of the conspirators and Butler’s role in thwarting their plans.
- “The Business Plot, or When J.P. Morgan’s Pals Tried To Overthrow FDR” – New England Historical Society: This article delves into the historical context of the plot and Butler’s courageous actions to expose it.
- “Smedley Butler & the ‘Business Plot,’ Part I” – Libertarianism.org: A detailed analysis of Butler’s testimony and the broader implications of the Business Plot on American democracy.
- “The Conspiratorial Business Plot of 1933″ – Explore the Archive: This piece examines the lesser-known aspects of the plot and its significance in American history.
- “The Business Plot: Smedley D. Butler, Anti-Democratic Dissidence, and the Recession of the American Right 1932-1936” – University of Chicago: A scholarly thesis that reconstructs the Business Plot and explores Butler’s military career and its connections to his later activism.
- “Considering History: The 1933 Business Plot to Overthrow America” – The Saturday Evening Post: An article that reflects on the historical significance of the Business Plot and its relevance to contemporary discussions on democracy.