Project ARTICHOKE was a CIA project that researched interrogation methods and arose from project BLUEBIRD in 1951 August 20.

The project studied hypnosis, among other methods, to produce amnesia in subjects. Magician John Mullholland consulted for the project.

A memorandum by Richard Helms to director Allen Welsh Dulles indicated it became project MKULTRA in 1953 April 20. It was an offensive programme of mind control that gathered together the intelligence divisions of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and FBI.

The scope of the project was outlined in a memo dated January 1952 that stated, "Can we get control of an individual to the point where he will do our bidding against his will and even against fundamental laws of nature, such as self preservation?"

Reference

• frankolsonproject chronology