A "fifth column" refers to a group of people who clandestinely work to undermine a larger group, organization, or nation from within. The term is often used to describe covert supporters of an enemy, who engage in activities such as espionage, sabotage, or spreading [propaganda](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/propaganda/) to weaken the targeted group. The expression originated during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, when a Nationalist general boasted about having four columns of troops approaching Madrid and a "fifth column" of sympathizers already inside the city, working to undermine the Republican government. # Fifth column examples Fifth columns have been around for thousands of years. Here are a handful of notable examples: 1. **Trojan Horse**: In ancient Greek mythology, the Greeks used a wooden horse to infiltrate the city of Troy during the Trojan War. Greek soldiers hid inside the horse, which was presented as a gift to the Trojans. Once the horse was inside the city, the Greek soldiers emerged and opened the gates for their comrades, leading to the fall of Troy. 2. **Spanish Civil War**: As mentioned earlier, the term "fifth column" originated during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Nationalist General Emilio Mola claimed to have a secret network of supporters within the Republican-held city of Madrid, who worked to undermine the Republican government from within. 3. **World War II**: During WWII (see: [[World War II Timeline]]), there were instances of fifth column activity in various countries. In France, the Vichy regime, which collaborated with Nazi Germany, is sometimes considered a fifth column. In Norway, the Nasjonal Samling party, led by Vidkun Quisling, worked with the Germans to overthrow the Norwegian government, leading to the term "quisling" becoming synonymous with "traitor" or "collaborator." 4. **[Cold War](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/cold-war-dictionary/)**: During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union accused each other of sponsoring fifth columnists within their respective territories. This led to widespread [paranoia](https://doctorparadox.net/psychology/paranoia/), espionage, and counter-espionage activities. 5. **Cuban Revolution**: In the lead-up to the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement had supporters and sympathizers within the Cuban government and military, who provided [[intelligence]] and facilitated the movement's activities against the Batista regime. These examples illustrate how fifth columns have been used or alleged to exist in various historical contexts to undermine governments, institutions, or other groups from within. See also: [[nationalism]], [[intelligence]]