Some of History's Greatest Conspiracy Theories

Global warming is a hoax:

­­­­­Few climate change doubters believe that man-made global-warming is a conspiracy designed to make the population more open to higher taxation, controls on lifestyle and an authoritative government. These sceptics cite a fall in  global temperatures since last year and leveling off in the rise in temperature since 1998 as evidence.

The aids virus was created in a laboratory:

In reference to the theories of Dr William Campbell Douglass, many believe that the HIV was genetically designed in 1974 by the World Health Organisation. Dr Douglass believed that it was a cold blooded attempt to create a killer virus that was later used in a successful experiment in Africa. Others have claimed that it was created by the CIA or the KGB as a means to reduce world population.

Fluoridation:

Fluoride is commonly added to drinking water as a way to reduce tooth decay. However, according to some evidence it has been proved that there could be some harmful side effects from fluoride and conspiracy theorists believe that this information is known and recognised by those responsible for adding the fluoride albeit they continue the practice. People believe drug companies benefit from a  population with ill-health. Another aim could be that fluoride lowers mental abilities thereby 'dumbing down' the entire population.

Black or unmarked helicopters:

The concept became popular in the American militia movement, and in associated political circles, in the 1990s as an alleged symbol and warning sign of a military takeover of part of all the United States. Rumors made rounds, for instance, the United Nations patrolled the US with black helicopters or that federal agents used black helicopters to enforce wildlife laws. Similarly, in Britain, a similar conspiracy theory known as "phantom helicopters" has been reported since the mid 1970s. This concept relates phantom helicopters to UFOs and alien invasion rather than to martial law.

Paul is dead:

Paul is dead is an urban legend alleging that Paul McCartney died in a car crash 1699 and was replaced by a look-alike and sound-alike. Proof for his death lies in many of Beatles' recordings. People believe they include statements when a song is played backwards, symbolism found in obscure lyrics and ambiguous imagery on album covers. Others also believe that McCartney is the only barefooted Beatle on the cover of Abbey Road.

Shakespeare was somebody else:

Very little biographical information exists about Shakespeare, therefore, theorists believe that there is a lack of evidence proving that the actor and businessman sometimes known as Shaksper of Stratford was responsible for the body of works that bear his name.

Elvis Presley faked his own death:

People believe that the "King" did not die in 1977. Many fans persist in claiming he is still alive and that he went into hiding for various reasons. This claim is backed by thousands of so-called sightings. The main reasons given in support of the belief that Presley faked his death is that on his grave his middle name Aron is spelt as Aaron. Though, Aaron is actually the name for Presley. Apparently Presley himself or his parents tried to change the name to Aron to make it more similar to Presley's stillborn twin, Jesse Garon Presley.

Diana, Princess of Wales was murdered:

Heard all sorts of conspiracy theories about this one! Despite an official inquiry that found no evidence of a plot by MI6 or any other entity to murder the princess and Dodi Fayed in 1997, speculation continues. The theory is that rogue elements in the British secret service decided that Diana's relationship with Fayed was a threat to the monarchy and therefore to the British state.

SOURCE: The Telegraph