Plots must be distinguished on the one hand from Assassinations (q.v.) and on the other from Rebellions (q.v.). They involve the elements of secrecy and conspiracy, but have not always political assassination for their object, nor do those who carry them through, or attempt to do so, put arms in the hands of a great number of men. The subjoined list only professes to give a selection of the more noteworthy plots of history, intended to supplement the lists given under ASSASSINATION and REBELLION. Details of most of them will be found under separate articles.
Catiline's Conspiracy, 63 B.C.
Quirini-Tiepolo in Venice, 1310.
Marino Falieri's Plot in Venice, 1355.
Plot of Fieschi against Andrea Doria at Genoa, 1547.
Raid of Ruthven in Scotland, 1582.
Babington's Plot against Elizabeth, 1586.
Death of Prince Demetrius in Russia, 1591.
Gowrie Conspiracy in Scotland, 1600.
Gunpowder Plot in England, 1605.
Titus Oates' pretended Popish Plot, 1678.
Meal-tub Plot, 1679.
Rye-house Plot against Charles II., 1683.
Assassination Plot to kill William III. of England, 1696.
Plot of Catharine against Peter III. of Russia, 1762.
Colonel Despard's Plot against George III., 1802.
Plot of Cadoudal and Pichegru against Napoleon, 1802.
Malet's Plot against Napoleon, 1812.
Cato Street Conspiracy, 1820.
Orsini's attempt upon Napoleon III., 1858.
Numerous Nihilist plots in Russia, 1881-91.
Abdication of Alexander of Bulgaria, 1886.