This chapter develops the pre-modern history of insurrectionary methods, pursued through a genealogical account of history and discourse. Beginning with a discussion of the genealogical approach as presented by Michele Foucault, this is followed by an exploration of insurrectionism as a form of guerrilla warfare. After affirming that insurrectionary action is indeed within a militant tradition, the reader is led through several hundred years of history that traces the roots of those advocating direct, unmediated attacks on the state—latter termed “propaganda of the deed.” Through examples drawn largely from Europe and North America, special attention is paid to those engaged in theatrical, public attacks, as well as the networks surrounding Luigi Galleani and the Bonnot Gang. Finally, this history is brought into the twenty-first century, linking the anti-globalization movement of the late 1990 and early 2000s, to the decline of that movement following the attacks of September 11, 2001. In its conclusion, the chapter considers whether the decline of the anti-globalization, counter-summit movement emboldened the formation and internationalization of clandestine cell networks promoting insurrectionary attack.