1945 to 1974

Secret programs

Radiation and germ tests on people who were not told, MKULTRA, COINTELPRO, the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, and the end of the gold standard.

Key facts

The government injected patients with plutonium, infected 1,308 people in Guatemala, and sprayed bacteria over San Francisco, none with consent.
The Tonkin Gulf Resolution passed 416 to 0 and 88 to 2. The NSA's historian later found the second attack did not happen.
COINTELPRO became public in 1971 after files were taken from the FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania.

3 events in Surveillance & Privacy, oldest first

1964November 21, 1964Surveillance & Privacy
FBI mails Dr. King a surveillance tape and a note
Two days after the Nobel announcement; an agent called it an attempt to destroy his marriage.
Source: Intelligence Activities and the Rights of Americans, Book II, Final Report of the Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities Read the full story →
1969December 4, 1969Surveillance & Privacy
Fred Hampton killed in a raid planned with an FBI informant's floor plan
More than 80 police shots to at most one; a $1.85 million settlement in 1983; no one convicted.
Source: The Fred Hampton Appeal Read the full story →
1971March 8, 1971Surveillance & Privacy
Burglars take the files from the FBI's Media, Pennsylvania office
The documents reach the press; COINTELPRO is terminated on April 27.
Source: COINTELPRO: The FBI's Covert Action Programs Against American Citizens, Book III, Supplementary Detailed Staff Reports Read the full story →