The History of Modern Technical Propaganda
This series explores the deep roots of propaganda and its evolving impact on technical and societal epochs. From the electrical current wars of AC vs DC to the format battle of VHS vs Betamax, back to the invention of the printing press, we uncover how propaganda has shaped public perception and accelerated technological adoption. Understanding these patterns helps us discern the line between innovation and manipulation in today’s technology landscape, and prepares us for the next battle of innovation and propaganda: the era of artificial intelligence.
↳ The Original Format Wars: VHS vs Betamax, AC vs DC
In the late 1800s, a technical propaganda war was brewing between the Continental Edison Company and the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. The stakes were tremendous: the standardization and domination of the American power grid. The electrical current war was a race to influence public opinion, with one company doing so by any means necessary.
↳ The Origin Story of Propaganda: The Congregatio de Propaganda Fide
The concept of propaganda as we think of it today originated much earlier than the industrialization era. It began with the formation of a literate society and the invention of the printing press. In order to understand the difference between propaganda and marketing spin, we need to travel back in time to the 1600s.
↳ From Propaganda to Public Relations: The Battle for Electrical Supremacy
After hundreds of gruesome electrocution displays of criminals and animals at carnivals and events across America, the general public was ready to believe Edison's propaganda that AC was dangerous and DC was safe. The Westinghouse Company needed to win back public support for AC. A key strategic decision would inspire the creation of the public relations and marketing professions.
↳ The Twin Evolution of Public Relations and Psychoanalysis
Arguably the two most important men you may never have heard of are Edward Bernays and Ivy Lee. Bernays created the first marketing firm, and Lee became the first public relations executive in corporate history. By infusing wartime propaganda techniques with Freudian psychology into both professions, their innovations from the early 1900s continue to shape every facet of modern life.
↳ From Selling Bacon to Selling Artificial Intelligence
This chapter explores the playbook for shaping public opinion, from Edward Bernays’ legendary marketing campaigns to the sweeping narratives surrounding modern AI. It examines how public relations, marketing, and propaganda have influenced perception and accelerated technology adoption. By tracing these patterns from the electrical current wars to today’s AI hype cycles, we learn to spot the line between real innovation and manufactured consent. A timely reminder as free and open source AI enters its own high-stakes battle.