The Press and the Forgotten Coup : How American Media Shaped the Memory of The Business Plot

This thesis examines the portrayal of The Business Plot, an alleged coup attempt against President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934, in the American press during two distinct periods: the 1934 and 2021–2023. The study aims to analyze how media representations of the event have evolved over time and explores the role of the press as actors in memory politics and in shaping collective memory. Through a qualitative content analysis of eight newspaper articles, four from 1934 and four from 2021–2023, the study identifies key similarities and differences in how the event was framed. The 1930s press largely trivialized or dismissed the allegations, using sensationalist language and framing the plot as absurd. In contrast, contemporary articles treat the event as a serious historical event, often drawing parallels to perceived modern threats to democracy, such as the January 6th Capitol riot. Theoretical frameworks of memory politics, collective memory, and agenda-setting are employed to interpret these findings. The analysis reveals that media portrayals are deeply influenced by the political and social climates of their respective eras. The 1930s press, reflecting conservative and pro-fascist sympathies, marginalized the event, while today’s press, operating in a polarized environment, revitalizes it as a cautionary tale. The study concludes that the media actively constructs collective memory, either by suppressing or reviving historical narratives to align with contemporary ideological currents. This research contributes to broader discussions about media influence on historiography and the politicization of memory.