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Abstract
At least 60% of America's 44 presidents were members of secret societies during their ascent to power, a statistic suggesting a phenomenon greater than chance. This study examines that phenomenon, focusing specifically on three groups: Freemasons, Greek-Letter Fraternities, and Yale's Skull & Bones. It also seeks to identify and analyze the cardinal virtues of secret societies in general, as well as the values of the three groups, in particular.
The research methodology includes selective books, congressional reports, journal and magazine articles and, where available, secret society publications. Also referenced are television documentaries and several relevant motion pictures. Lastly, this study includes interviews with a number of secret society members, those who have studied them, and the researcher's own insights as a former Greek-Letter Fraternity president.
The conclusion suggests that secret societies not only imbue their members with unique values relevant to politics, but that such values have influenced presidential policy, foreign and domestic. Since this is the first study to explore this phenomenon, its findings pose compelling questions for future research. If the presidents included in this study were influenced by secret society values, how many others were, as well? Is this phenomenon peculiar to American politics, or more widespread among other national leaders? This dissertation only scratches the surface of a topic that merits further inquiry.
