The United States celebrates George Washington as its first president and the Fourth of July as the country’s birthday. You hear less about Samuel Adams, the Founding Father who fomented the American Revolution. One reason? Revolutions are messy, and the guys who get their hands dirty aren’t necessarily respectable.
Fake News Is Nothing New
To get people riled up, Adams and his allies used a network of newspapers to spread exaggerated and even fictional accounts of British soldiers’ misconduct in Boston. This propaganda campaign made it easier to spread outrage and establish a common cause. Adams even used pseudonyms to attack British officials and policies. That’s why you’re more likely to see his name on a beer these days than on a statue.
