This book was published in 1870 and made use of the term.
Here's one from 1890.
1895 and
again.
1899.
Are you suggesting that just because the CIA used the term in 1964 to do shady sht, all usage of it from then to now shouldn't be questioned?
That's silly.
The first 3 were unreadable.
Then no results for conspiracy theory.
Conspiracy to me is an act with co conspirators. Conspiracy theorists are those that hear the official story, which doesn't make sense and start questioning the official story.
The intent of the CIA with the countering report was to throw shade on those who even questioned the Warren report. 46% of the country believed Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone gunman. They didn't have access, as we do now, to information galore but they still held that opinion.
We look back now and find the Warren report neglected to address major information that countered their conclusion. Witness testimony never admitted, facts completely omitted, and people were told by the CIA " that's Not what you saw."
So yes, the cia used the term conspiracy theorist to intimidate, discount and ruin people's lives through mention of "Crazy" when they attempted to get truth out or expect the gov to answer questions honestly.
Why would they need to counter anything if the Warren report was accurate? Why would a gov need to support their narrative through intimidation?
Might want to check this speaker out. He was my professor of English and religious studies. He was asked to speak about the autopsy photos of jfk and the circumstances surrounding the Warren reports conclusion.
Part 2.