The First Meeting

             Starting in 1954, the Bilderberg group recieved its name from the hotel they held their first meeting in (Ronson). It is said that the founder of the Bilderberg group was a former British secret service agent by the name of Joseph Retinger. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, Retinger helped launch the European Movement in hopes of federalizing Europe (Wilford).  During this time, Retinger expressed his beliefs on the importance of the opinions of an elite group rather than the opinion of the masses (Wilford). In federalizing Euope, many elitists became involved, ranging from the Italian Prime Minister to chairman of banks in Europe. The American government had been a part of the plan to federalize Europe from the start, though the policies of America were criticized by the elitist gathering in Europe.  American leaders addressed these issues as to be involved with the new happenings in Europe. The purpose of these meetings are said to have been to fulfill Joseph Retinger’s  wish “ to create an environment in which European and American leaders felt able to express themselves freely without fear of international repercussion…”(Wilford).

              Since this time, the Bilderberg group has been gathering more and more elitist to its cause.  Even with all the time that has passed, the question remains: Is Bilderberg meant to create a more united, cooperating alliance in the world or to rule it for us?

Wilford, Hugh. "CIA, Socialist Plot, or New World Order? The Origins of the Bilderberg Group 1952-1955." Diplomacy and Statecraft 14.3 (2003): 70-82. Abstract. Print

Ronson, Jon. "The Secret Rulers of the World." Them: Adventures with Extremists. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002. 94-110. Print