It's the same old story over and over from many sources:
Masses were fooled by more or less obscure, ambitious/elite/backstabbing/profiteering/++ third, fourth parties for various reasons. Some wanted power at all cost, some did not care, some were greedy, some wanted (brain) control and were superiorly evil, mischievous etc. Some lairs did and still do worship EVIL. That is something to take into concideration. Especially when it is that "at-all-costs" price. Some lairs have boasted how incredibly cheap some people, groups have been bought etc. Hello. It's time to re-focus on God. "double-time"...