Secret Society Series: The Illuminati

**Discussion begins at 6:08**

The Illuminati was a Bavarian secret society founded in 1776, with close ties to the Freemasons.  The society, founded by a law professor, sought to promote Enlightenment, and favored separation of church and state.  The group was disbanded less than a decade after its formation by royal and church edict… But did it really disperse?  Today, many conspiracy theorists claim that the Illuminati is a secret society that continues to exist and exert control over world events. They are often depicted as a small, powerful elite manipulating governments, economies, and media.  Theories often associate the Illuminati with various symbols and claim their influence extends into popular culture, politics, and financial systems.  If you believe these theories, then this elite group has planted agents in governments and corporations in order to influence and establish a New World Order.