William Pelley was an American writer and political figure who is most infamous for founding the Silver Legion of America, a political, quasi-military movement during the 1930s. Originally a journalist and novelist, Pelley was drawn into extremist politics during the Great Depression, blending anti-communism, and a mystical, quasi-religious worldview. He promoted a vision of America governed by a corporatist, authoritarian regime and even flirted with ideas of occult spiritualism.