Major Smedley D. Butler, opens a new window (1881–1940) was a prominent United States Marine Corps officer and a two-time recipient of the Medal of Honor. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 16 and served with distinction in various conflicts, including the Boxer Rebellion, World War I and numerous interventions in Latin America. Butler became known for his outspoken views against militarism and imperialism, famously declaring that "war is a racket" in his later years. After retiring from military service, he became an influential critic of U.S. foreign policy and a vocal advocate for peace, using his platform to raise awareness about the consequences of military interventions and the motivations behind them.
In 1934, he gained national attention when he revealed the so-called "Business Plot, opens a new window," an alleged conspiracy in which wealthy businessmen sought to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a fascist regime in the United States. Butler claimed he was approached to lead a coup, highlighting the influence of corporate interests on politics. Although the plot was never substantiated in a legal sense, Butler's testimony before Congress raised important questions about the intersection of business and government, and his legacy continues to resonate in discussions about militarism, the ethics of war and corporate power in America.
A Rare Recording of Major General Smedley D. Butler, Author of "War Is a Racket"
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