Buy new:
$12.33
FREE delivery: April 23 - 25
Ships from: ModernDayMerchant631
Sold by: ModernDayMerchant631
List Price: $14.95 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $2.62 (18%)
FREE delivery April 23 - 25. Details
Or fastest delivery April 22 - 23. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$12.33 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.33
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
ModernDayMerchant631
Ships from
ModernDayMerchant631
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Tuesday, April 23 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Friday, April 19. Order within 11 hrs 14 mins
Used: Very Good | Details
Sold by Dovi's Books
Condition: Used: Very Good
Comment: A very nice copy! Pages appear clean and unmarked. Shipped by Amazon.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Other Sellers on Amazon
Added
$12.33
& FREE Shipping
Sold by: Karatay Store
Sold by: Karatay Store
(604 ratings)
96% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
$14.24
FREE Shipping
Get free shipping
Free shipping within the U.S. when you order $35.00 of eligible items shipped by Amazon.
Or get faster shipping on this item starting at $5.99 . (Prices may vary for AK and HI.)
Learn more about free shipping
on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon.
Sold by: Shakespeare Book House
Sold by: Shakespeare Book House
(3938 ratings)
98% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates and Return policy
Added
$14.25
FREE Shipping
Get free shipping
Free shipping within the U.S. when you order $35.00 of eligible items shipped by Amazon.
Or get faster shipping on this item starting at $5.99 . (Prices may vary for AK and HI.)
Learn more about free shipping
on orders over $35.00 shipped by Amazon.
Sold by: Bookstan
Sold by: Bookstan
(291 ratings)
92% positive over last 12 months
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Shipping rates and Return policy
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Plot to Seize the White House: The Shocking True Story of the Conspiracy to Overthrow FDR Paperback – March 1, 2007

4.4 out of 5 stars 1,213

Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.

Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$12.33","priceAmount":12.33,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"33","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"A%2FWTNscNxIX1p3Oe5X5ynDFc0h9n1bR%2FI1gkPGudP0bO8dVSqvOdb2vADGy6n04D7WSt39Y4kBxUpx4OjvHwpbTHLQsMpEVi9D6bp0BjF8RKAtghfwaT7lrUesYvIOggSyrk9ZUbGuniB1Ck%2BMfl7HAgA3oAy6fT0LYN%2BaOHMgK3B8bZtlzpNgkKQ3kAcy3v","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.44","priceAmount":6.44,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"44","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"A%2FWTNscNxIX1p3Oe5X5ynDFc0h9n1bR%2FJqafyosLk%2BWcP4H%2BpwFY3qCPtATQR9sP%2FAMK46nHEoCziO%2FyZy0h1bneaV1NrHmNy%2BhupvJC0pmjrMKEDNWnG0WAb0LPB0TzysPe%2FMgX9bOM%2F2p8a4pJyqUGIJC5SNXH1ZY3dEnbKBa1W7m6mxsD1l82aaGSW3zu","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Most people will be shocked to learn that in 1933 a cabal of wealthy industrialists—in league with groups like the K.K.K. and the American Liberty League—planned to overthrow the U.S. government in a fascist coup. Their plan was to turn discontented veterans into American "brown shirts," depose F.D.R., and stop the New Deal. They clandestinely asked Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Major General Smedley Darlington Butler to become the first American Caesar. He, though, was a true patriot and revealed the plot to journalists and to Congress. In a time when a President has invoked national security to circumvent constitutional checks and balances, this episode puts the spotlight on attacks upon our democracy and the individual courage needed to repel them.

Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

$14.24
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 23
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Shakespeare Book House and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
$6.99
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 24
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$14.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 23
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Fascinating and alarmingly true.”

About the Author

Jules Archer served four years during World War II in the Pacific with the Army Air Corps. He wrote many books on political events and personalities, including The Dictators; Hawks,Doves and the Eagle; and The Extremists. He lived in New York until his passing.

Anne Cipriano Venzon is the author of General Smedley Darlington Butler.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skyhorse; First Edition, 2nd Printing (March 1, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1602390363
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1602390362
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 5.6 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,213

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jules Archer
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
1,213 global ratings
A key event in the History of Corporate Crime.
5 Stars
A key event in the History of Corporate Crime.
This book has achieved the "rare" book status. Rumor has it that copies are being bought up to erase its existence, ending its stain on reputations on rich families with embarrasing ancestery. In any case, readers will only find it in a few libraries. A recent book: The Corporation : The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power, by Joel Bakan , ISBN: 0743247442, has a concise synopis of the facts presented in chapter 4. Also, extensive quotes are online on [...] website, issue #53.Before reading this book, one should read The Sociopath Next Door: The Ruthless Versus the Rest of Us, by Martha Stout, ISBN: 076791581X. All of history needs to be interpreted through the understanding of sociopathy.The Plot To Seize The White House contains a few primary sources, and records links to many other primary sources, which is its archival value. The details of the Plot itself are told here, and can be retold endlessly by others who care about this event. The story in brief is General Smedley Butler was approached to lead a coup d'etat to overthrow democracy in 1933 & 1934. (Reminding modern readers, 1933 was the year Hitler assumed power in Germany.) He declined, and exposed the plot. The plotters then employed the "OJ Simpson" theory of defense: "if you have enough money you can get away with murder."Nobody was ever prosecuted. Important men were never arrested or grilled over facts. The newspaper sensation created by an impotent congressional investigation in 1934 and 1935 died down and the story collected dust, forgotten ever since.However, the story fits into some others, including other suppressed and buried history. In telling the story of the Plot, Jules Archer tells also the biography of General Smedley Butler who declined to become the American Hitler or Mussolini, over a fascist takeover of the US. There are two books in one, woven together around this Plot.Smedley Butler's biography shows him in Vera Cruz, Mexico, in 1914, simultaneously when armed men, government troopers, were killing American men, women and children in Ludlow, Colorado. Also, at this same moment in time, early 1914, Rockefellers were taking over the Remington Arms Company. For details of the Ludlow Massacre you need to read two books: Buried Unsung: Louis Tikas and the Ludlow Massacre, by Zeese Papanikolas, ISBN: 0803287275, and The Great Coalfield War, by George S McGovern, ISBN: 0395136490. Remington Arms Co. history is documented in the book: Remington Arms in American history, by Alden Hatch, ASIN: B0007DYPC4.These details are not important only to The Plot To Seize The White House, but central to unravelling the Hitler Project. Yet two more books are required to place everything in order: Hitler's Secret Backers, by Sidney Warburg, ISBN: 0960035869, and Wall Street and the Rise of Hitler, by Antony C. Sutton, ISBN: 0945001533.From these books a timeline can be constructed:1929 Wall Street interests send Hitler $10,000,000.1931 Wall Street sends Hiltler another $15,000,000.1933 Wall Street Sends Hitler a final $7,000,000. (total $32,000,000.)1933 Wall Street puts up initial $3,000,000, backed by another reserve $15,000,000, for the Plot to Seize the White House. Up to $300,000,000 backing is promised.Believable? The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance, by Ron Chernow, ISBN: 0802138292, reports that JP Morgan was Mussolini's banker for over $500,000,000 and heavily invested in fascist Japan by 1931. JP Morgan has over $3 BILLION invested in Germany by 1931. A Law Unto Itself: The Untold Story of the Law Firm of Sullivan and Cromwell, by Nancy Lisagor, Frank Ipsivs, ISBN: 0688048889, reports that John Foster Dulles and S&C law firm have $1.15 BILLION invested in Germany by 1931. Titan : The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., by Ron Chernow, ISBN: 0679757031, reveals the Rockefeller "method" of business, including secret takeovers, bribed officials, blatant lawbreaking, industrial spying, and philosophy "the weakest must die first".Yes, Wall Street was behind Hitler and Mussolini, without any doubt. All the plotter named in Archer's book, named by Smedley Butler to congress, were fascist supporters. Rockefellers were at war with the weak, using soldiers to kill. In 1927 Smedley's marines landed in China at the (Rockefeller's) Standard Oil docks, were stationed on S.O. property and protected S.O. investments. In 1914 Rockefellers and Morgans used Butler in Vera Cruz to kill peons in Mexico, just as Rockefeller-directed government troopers gunned down Americans at Ludlow, Colorado, at the same moment that Rockefeller-controlled Remington Arms was expanding arms production even before the Duke was shot starting WWI.Using government troopers to quell democracy was a tradition by 1933, and fascist investments in German continued past Pearl Harbor. See: Trading with the enemy: An exposé of the Nazi-American money plot, 1933-1949, by Charles Higham, ISBN: 0440090644, and American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune, and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush, by Kevin Phillips, ISBN: 0670032646.This book stands alone as a mystery story, a spy story, a thriller, a history, a biography of a patriot, a record of government corruption. It also fits in with a great body of literature with pieces of information telling bits of the history of sociopathy that killed over 200,000,000 people last century.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
The author provided a deep look at not only Major General Smedley Buler’s military career, but also his role in exposing a government takeover under the auspices of rich bankers and industrialist using military veterans to do the dirty work.
Butler is to be admired. He was a true patriot, spoke the truth not matter if it caused him determental splashback; and he always leveled honestly especially with his troops and the nationals whose land he was assigned to operate within when assigned by the government.

A very full, complete and interesting work, I had the feeling at the end of the book that Smedley Butler experienced in one lifetime what it took three other people to experience.
One person found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2017
It surprised me that I knew nothing about this event in our history. After all, Roosevelt was president when my parents were young. Surely they would have mentioned it. That is unless they never heard about it either. The overthrow of our government, and conversion to a fascist state should have been headline news, but somehow it wasn't.

This book was informative and interesting. Unlike many of the books today, it didn't make my heart race or inspire me me to keep reading all night. At times the subject matter is slow, but it told the story of one of our greatest generals, General Smedley Butler,Jr. one of the most patriotic generals and Marines', you'll ever read about. He was the man that broke the news and revealed the plot to overthrow the government.

I read this book because I wanted to know the story. You can read the book; you can read about General Butler on Wikipedia; or you can find a copy of the movie "Seven Days in May" which was based on this book and the intended putsch. But I think it's important you know the story of one of the greatest Marines that ever lived.
39 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2014
Jules Archer (1915-2008) wrote an interesting well documented book that still resonates in the U.S. Archer's book titled THE PLOT TO SEIZE THE WHITE HOUSE is not only " a page turner," but the book serves as a warning when wealth leads to corruption, stupid arrogance, hypocrisy, and criminality. Archer's detailed examination of General Smedly Butler (1881-1940) reveals Butler as a kind man, a hero, and firm believer in The Bill of Rights.

Archer began this book with the attempt of plutocrats to get Butler to endorse a coup via using some memebers of the American Legion. The plutocrats claimed they wanted a coup against FDR to return to the gold standard. The names of some of the plotters included McGuire, Greyson, and other wealthy people. Butler "smelled a rat" when these plutocrats claimed that veterans' bonuses be paid in gold. Yet, these dame plutocrats worked against the promised bonuses for World War I vets. Butler was aware of the hypocrisy and eventually exposed the plot much to chagrin of the plotters and their surrogates.

Butler was angered by the fact that some of those who wanted a coup were avid supporters of Mussolini and Hitler. Butler was also angered at the hatred some of the plotters broadcasted against Jewish people. The plutocratic wealthy claimed that FDR's New Deal to help the destitute was a communist plot. While the very wealthy still got tax paid subsidies, their anger that poor souls who were ruined by the Great Deperssion disturbed Butler. Butler thought that combat veterans the poor should also get help in times of desparation, and Butler knew that those who tried to enlist his help were corrupt and power hungry.

One aspect of the plot was to arrange a coup using the ruse that FDR was seriously ill, and a military commander should be installed in power. As one of the culprits said, "the dumb public" would believe such a ruse. In other words, those who tried to enlist Butler's help picked the wrong man. These culprits later attached Butler, and, again they picked the wrong.

Archer then provided a solid account of Butler's heroic exploits as a Marine Corps commander. Butler had an affection for Marines under his command, and these men both admired and respected Butler. Butler commanded Marines in Cuba, Haiti, China, Mexico, and the Phillipines. He brought "law and order" where he was in command. However, Butler knew he was working more on behalf of wealthy investors than the local people. When Butler was accused of using his men to rig a Haitian election, Butler embarrassed critics by producing orders that what was he ordered to do. Butler followed orders, but he did not necessiarly like them. When Navy "brass" refused to provide food to Butler's Marines in Subic Bay, Butler used his Marines and row boats under darkness to get provisions. When the "brass" complained, Butler in effect told them to go to hell.

Archer reported on Butler's command during W.W. I. Butler took control of a military camp whose men were living squalid conditions. Again, Butler used his organizational genius and got the camp in good order. When World War I ended, Butler was angered that the combat troops went from "shattered heroes to bums." Butler wryly remarked that veterans had to pay $378 for long round trip railroad tickets while the wealthy paid only $14.00 for the same transportation.

Butler was awarded The Congressional of Honor twice, and he refused other awards for heroism claiming that the men under his command were the actual heroes. Archer gave "chapter and verse" descriptionos of Butler's rare courage which some may consider reckless abandon.

In the 1924, Butler entered another career as Public Safety Director in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He told the police officers to
"clean up or get out." Butler made the city safer, but he had to enforce the 18th. Amendment re Prohibition. When Butler and his police went after "small time" bootleggers, Butler was a hero. However, when Butler went after wealthy hotel owners and patrons, he was critisized. Butler then realized that 18th. Amendment was class legislation and so much hyprocrisy.

As Archer noted, Butler was never one to retreat from a fight. When Butler critisized Mussolini and his supporters in the US, Butler was arrested and ordered to be court martialed. This was a blunder. Butler was ready for a good legal fight, and the indignation at such a travesty was overwhelming. President Hoover and the "brass" immediately retreated, and Butler was easily exonerated. The plutocrats who thought they had Butler in trouble were chagrined at the results.

When Butler got involved in the coup mentioned above, he proved just how tough he was. He testified at a secret congressional committee meeting. McCormick and Dicstein were shocked, but Butler "had the goods" on the plotters, and invesitgative journalists proved the allegations. Such investgations exploded the plot, and the canards about communism and Jewish Bolshevism collapsed when the "fascist plot" was exposed.

Archer's book should be required reading for students. Archer gave a good description of problems in Latin America and Asia before and after World War I. Archer's insight re Butler's courage, honesty, and intelligence are reasons to pause and think. At a time when hate mongering and praise of stupidity are now in vogue, Archer's book serves as an antidote to such nonsense. As an aside, this reviewer's favorite Butler quote is, "There are only two things we should fight for. One is our homes and the other is The Bill of Rights."

James E. Egolf
March 22, 2014
18 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2020
This is a very well researched and very well written work of non fiction. It is largely a biography of a very great man, Smedley Butler. In the course of a very eventful life Smedley Butler was asked by business interests to lead a political insurgence, in effect, a form of coup or putsch. This is seemingly a forgotten or overlooked episode of American History. It occurred during the Great Depression and before World War II.

Smedley Butler was a career military man and rose to the rank of General in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his retirement he was approached by American business interests about limiting the authority of FDR. That part of the story of Smedley Butler is little known. It is well worth learning about. Smedley Butler also ended up an anti war isolationist. He believed that wars occurred to make a few men rich and America needed to stay out of foreign entanglements and fight only to defend our country from invasion. Every part of this story provides much fuel for contemplation.

In summary, I completely enjoyed thus book and found it very educational. I read the book on Kindle while listening to the corresponding audiobook. The audiobook was clearly read and faithful to he text. The only reservation I have at all is that the reader needs to know that "The Plot" is only a part of this book that is largely a biography. Thank You...
9 people found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Jimmy
5.0 out of 5 stars Smedly Butler was a chad
Reviewed in Canada on July 2, 2021
Very illuminating glimpse into a chapter of American history over looked by all, Smedly Butler deserves to be remembered and deserves to be read about.
Jan Funnell
4.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look into how a democracy works and how it could be so easily derailed.
Reviewed in Australia on December 9, 2017
I have never been particularly interested in American History but I found this piece of history spellbinding. Well written it explains a very dark episode in America's past which occurred in the Great Depression when Roosevelt's actions in trying to kick start the economy and to provide work with a decent pay for the common man raised the ire of the rich and powerful who didn't want anything to endanger their God given right to make an immense profit off the back of the common people. This book also goes a long way to explaining how big business and big banks use their countries armed forces for their own ends. This story should be required reading in all American high schools if for no other reason than to show how fragile a democracy is and to underline once again that our freedoms which we take for granted require a constant vigilance to retain. This period in American history should also be studied in any country that purports to be a democracy.
One person found this helpful
Report
Morrison Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars A TRUE STORY.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2015
an amazing book. The bankers were running things back then! Everyone should read this book.
3 people found this helpful
Report
Will O Wisp
4.0 out of 5 stars Smedley Butler: général rebel qui déjoua un coup d'état pour renverser FDR
Reviewed in France on September 13, 2012
Livre fascinant sur un personnage haut en couleur et un fait historique peu connu: le complot pour saisir la Maison Blanche et le role de Smedley Butler qui déjoua un coup d'état pour renverser FD Roosevelt à l'époque où Mussolini, Hitler et Franco sévissaient en Europe.
Engagé dans Les Marines , ayant participé à des compagnes en Chine, Haiti et divers pays en Amérique du Sud , Butler fut un général connu et respecté aux EU . A causé de son audace et sa personnalité bien trempée il fut contacté par des opposants à la politique de Roosevelt qui essayèrent de le convaincre de s'associer à eux et de se servir de son charisma pour persuader un groupe de militaires de les aider à executer leur complot . Butler fit semblant de jouer le jeu puis se désista et denonca les conspirateurs . Par ailleurs dégouté par les compagnes militaires dans les pays en voie développement , les massacres et le pillage des ressources naturelles , il finit par remettre en question l'engagement des Etats Unis et les multinationals dans le tiers monde . Par ailleurs il milita pour améliorer les conditions de vie des anciens combattants qui vivaient souvent dans la misère.
robert meunier
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascism narrowly averted
Reviewed in Canada on March 22, 2020
The hidden histories of the world has always held my fascination and this book delivers in spades. The only criticism is the repetitive nature of the book, going over evidence already presented.