What is *The First Conspiracy* by Brad Meltzer about?

*The First Conspiracy* reveals a clandestine 1776 plot to assassinate or capture George Washington, orchestrated by British loyalists and members of his own security detail. The book blends historical analysis with thriller-like pacing, uncovering how counterfeit currency, jailhouse confessions, and early American counterintelligence efforts thwarted the scheme. It highlights Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War’s precarious early months.

Who should read *The First Conspiracy*?

History enthusiasts, fans of political thrillers, and readers interested in espionage origins will find this book compelling. Its narrative-driven style appeals to those who enjoy David McCullough’s works or Brad Meltzer’s signature blend of fact and suspense. The book also suits educators seeking immersive Revolutionary War accounts.

Is *The First Conspiracy* worth reading?

Yes, particularly for its gripping exploration of a rarely documented historical episode. Meltzer and co-author Josh Mensch balance scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, earning praise from figures like Bill Clinton. The book’s revelation about early U.S. counterintelligence ties to modern agencies adds contemporary relevance.

What was the true goal of the conspiracy against George Washington?

While often described as an assassination plot, evidence suggests the conspirators aimed to capture Washington alive. British loyalists, including New York’s Governor William Tryon, sought to destabilize the Continental Army by taking its leader prisoner—a strategic move to demoralize colonists and negotiate surrender.

How does *The First Conspiracy* portray George Washington?

The book depicts Washington as a pragmatic leader facing immense pressure, both militarily and politically. It emphasizes his ability to inspire loyalty while navigating betrayal, showcasing his role in developing counterintelligence tactics that protected the Revolution.

What sources did Brad Meltzer use for *The First Conspiracy*?

Meltzer and Mensch drew from archival materials, including trial transcripts, letters, and British military records. Key sources include testimonies from convicted conspirator Thomas Hickey and documents detailing Washington’s creation of a spy network to root out treason.

How does *The First Conspiracy* compare to Brad Meltzer’s other works?

Unlike Meltzer’s fiction thrillers (*The Escape Artist*), this non-fiction account retains his trademark suspense but grounds it in meticulous research. It parallels his investigative approach in *The Nazi Conspiracy* while focusing on America’s foundational era.

What role did counterfeit money play in the plot?

Counterfeit Continental currency was used to finance the conspiracy and undermine the colonial economy. British operatives distributed fake bills to destabilize faith in the Revolution’s financial system, a tactic Washington countered by tracking the money’s origins.

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The First Conspiracy

Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch

3.82 (13661 Reviews)

History Politics Leadership

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Discover the shocking plot to assassinate George Washington that birthed American counterintelligence. Brad Meltzer's historical thriller, praised by historian Joseph Ellis, transforms a forgotten 1776 conspiracy into a page-turning "real life treasure hunt" that reveals how close our nation came to collapse before it began.

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Order from chaos-this was Washington's guiding principle as he tackled the monumental task of transforming an unruly mob into a proper army.

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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@Matt, YC alum

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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The First Conspiracy

Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch

3.82 (13661 Reviews)

History Politics Leadership

Aperçu

Points Clés

Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide9min

Ressentez le livre à travers la voix de l'auteur

Approfondissement42min

Transformez les connaissances en idées captivantes et riches en exemples

Fiches mémo8 idées

Capturez les idées clés en un éclair pour un apprentissage rapide

Fun23min

Profitez du livre de manière ludique et engageante

Meilleure citation de The First Conspiracy

Order from chaos-this was Washington's guiding principle as he tackled the monumental task of transforming an unruly mob into a proper army.

Dans le même genre

The Lincoln Conspiracy

Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch

George Washington's Secret Six

Brian Kilmeade

Proof of Conspiracy

Seth Abramson

You Never Forget Your First

Alexis Coe

Under the Eye of Power

Colin Dickey

A Patriot's History of the United States

Larry Schweikart & Michael Allen

23 sources

America's First Revolutionary Assembly

14 sources

The Committee of 300: Conspiracy's Phone Book

Points clés

When America's Father Nearly Fell Before the Nation Was Born

00:00

What if George Washington had been assassinated before the Declaration of Independence was signed? Picture thousands of Continental soldiers gathering in a field outside New York City on June 28, 1776, watching one of their own-a member of Washington's elite bodyguard-mount the gallows. Thomas Hickey's execution wasn't just punishment for betrayal. It was a warning shot in America's first counterintelligence operation, a shadow war most history books forgot. Just days before America declared independence, a conspiracy reached into Washington's inner circle, threatening to kill the revolution before it could take its first breath. This wasn't a footnote-it was nearly the final chapter.

The Reluctant Commander Who Feared His Own Legend

The City Where Loyalties Shifted Like Tides

Forging an Army from Broken Parts

The Counterfeiter Who Accidentally Saved America

The Bodyguard's Betrayal and America's First Treason Trial

The Declaration Nobody Knew Was Coming

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Posez n'importe quelle question, choisissez la voix et co-créez des idées qui résonnent vraiment avec vous.

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer & Josh Mensch Summary

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Similar books to The First Conspiracy

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Dans le même genre

Points clés

When America's Father Nearly Fell Before the Nation Was Born

The Reluctant Commander Who Feared His Own Legend

The City Where Loyalties Shifted Like Tides

Forging an Army from Broken Parts

The Counterfeiter Who Accidentally Saved America

The Bodyguard's Betrayal and America's First Treason Trial

The Declaration Nobody Knew Was Coming

Mode Résumé Rapide - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de The First Conspiracy en 9 minutes

Mode Fiches mémo - Top 8 Idées de The First Conspiracy en Bref

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Telecharger The First Conspiracy PDF

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Dans le même genre

Points clés

When America's Father Nearly Fell Before the Nation Was Born

The Reluctant Commander Who Feared His Own Legend

The City Where Loyalties Shifted Like Tides

Forging an Army from Broken Parts

The Counterfeiter Who Accidentally Saved America

The Bodyguard's Betrayal and America's First Treason Trial

The Declaration Nobody Knew Was Coming