The Cult That Led 900 People to Their Deaths

[00:00:00]In 1978, the People's Temple [music] cult, led by Jim Jones, became responsible for one of the deadliest mass deaths in history.

[00:00:11]At first, Jones promised people equality, justice, and a safe new life. Because of this, hundreds of followers trusted him and moved with him to an isolated settlement deep in the jungles of Guyana called Jonestown. But over time, the place turned from a hopeful [music] community into a prison.

[00:00:34]Members were cut off [music] from the outside world, escape attempts were stopped, and people lived under constant fear and psychological pressure.

[00:00:45]On November 18th, 1978, US Congressman Leo Ryan >> [music] >> arrived in Jonestown to investigate the cult. When several members tried to leave with him, the situation spiraled out of control.

[00:01:01]Shortly after, Ryan and the people [music] with him were attacked. That same day, Jim Jones ordered his [music] followers to drink a cyanide-laced beverage. More than 900 people, including [music] many children, died.

[00:01:18]Jonestown became one of the darkest examples of how fear, manipulation, and absolute control >> [music] >> can drive hundreds of people to their deaths.