The phrase “Fifth column,” was inspired by a boast during the Spanish Civil War. Mola predicted Madrid would fall as four columns of rebel troops approaching the city were joined by another hidden column of sympathizers within it. Mola descried them as, “Men now in hiding who will rise and support us the moment we march.”
Today the meaning refers to a clandestine group that works to undermine a country’s solidarity from within. Fifth Columnists infiltrate the nation, particularly into positions of power, spreading misinformation and rumors, to sabotage. It conveys the concept of the “enemy within.”
With the coming of World War II the notion of a Fifth Column came to be recognized as an insidious opposition focused on destroying society from the inside.
President Franklin D Roosevelt remarked during one of his famous ‘fireside chats’ on 26 May:
“Today’s threat to our national security is not a matter of military weapons alone. We know of other methods, new methods of attack: The Trojan Horse. The Fifth Column betrays a nation unprepared for treachery. Spies, saboteurs and traitors are the actors in this new strategy. With all of these we must and will deal vigorously.”
The devilish workings of a “Fifth Column” can be found throughout civilization’s dark chronicles.
There is always a group intent on undermining the Rule of Law. There are many reasons that these few seek to undermine and destroy the governing they do not like.
Many are willing to sacrifice loyalty to country and citizens because of personal gains, privileged positions, financial security, pride’s enslavement, etc.