On October 30, 1938 CBS radio aired a theatrical interpretation of the H.G. Wells’ novel War of the Worlds. Set up as a live news broadcast, actors “documented” strange occurrences throughout the north east which listeners later learned were invaders from Mars. The program aired with a disclaimer at the beginning, but completed its first act before making another announcement about it being fiction, almost forty minutes into the broadcast. If people know about the War of the Worlds, they usually remember the drama it caused for supposedly inciting panic throughout the country. But that isn’t entirely how it happened.
Contrary to public perception, there was no national sense of panic. The “mass hysteria” described at the time was largely an exaggeration by a handful of contemporary journalists, who wrote their stories citing the reports of increased phone calls to local law enforcement from residents who believed the broadcast was actually breaking news. Shortly after the show aired, the FCC announced an investigation into the program and promised to put a stop to any future broadcasts that impersonated breaking news coverage. CBS radio agreed to stop the practice in any of their subsequent shows and the matter was settled. Although the number of those concerned were far short of what the news headlines insinuated, it still created a bit of turmoil for Orson Welles’ career, the director behind the project. In a meeting with the media the day after the show aired, Welles apologized and claimed he did not think the drama would prompt such a reaction. While there is some evidence to suggest Welles knew exactly what he was doing, there were members of the press corps who saw the “panic” in a different light.
Some journalists argued that the fearful and confused reaction by some Americans was not solely the responsibility of CBS or Welles. Instead, they suggested that it demonstrated the need for more media literacy. Radio was still a new technology in the 1930s and many listeners took what they heard over the radio without question. For some reporters, the War of the Worlds broadcast showcased that more Americans needed to be more proactive with their listening habits so that they could avoid falling prey to false information.
I re-listened to the broadcast in anticipation of writing this month’s edition of the newsletter. I remain in awe of how effective the “reporters” were in painting a vivid, terrifying scene. I found the long pauses the most harrowing; it perfectly mirrored the loss of a broadcast signal, communicating a sense of danger and unease for the listener. In thinking about the program in its historical context, I can understand how some were fooled into believing they were listening to a breaking story and it made me reflect on our current moment.
We are in an era of AI-backed misinformation and disinformation campaigns, made possible thanks to the tremendous advancements in technology. Even the most savvy of us can fall victim, and for me the “panic” incited by the fake radio program is a good reminder from our past that it is incumbent upon us as citizens of the world to challenge what we are seeing and hearing. Interrogating sources is something I worked on throughout my graduate experience and I am reminded of how great my training was whenever my initial reaction to a post, video, or headline is one of curiosity: who wrote this? What was their intent? Is this credible? Who is the target audience? What is the underlying message? In an age where information is omnipresent, I try to remember to stay curious and remain vigilant. For me, the War of the Worlds broadcast is just another in a long line of examples of history providing context to the current moment. You know what they say: history doesn’t repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme.
On My Book Shelf
While perusing at my local bookstore last month, I happened upon Don H. Doyle’s The Age of Reconstruction. Considering my current focus for the podcast, I felt like the universe was sending me a sign and I picked it up immediately - and it did not disappoint. What sets Doyle’s book apart from others I’ve read thus far is his decision to analyze the international implications of Reconstruction. Many historians have (rightly) focused on how Reconstruction transformed America, but Doyle makes a compelling argument that the period had a ripple effect throughout the world and it helped me think about Reconstruction through a global perspective. If you are looking for a different take on Reconstruction, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
I also started W.E.B Du Bois’ Black Reconstruction. This is a title that has been sitting in my TBR pile for far too long and I am a little embarrassed I have not picked it up sooner. Regardless, it is an important piece of historical scholarship that is also beautifully written. Du Bois was ahead of his time in making his prose accessible and engaging and I have been enjoying my journey thus far.
On the Podcast
In September, I wrapped up my coverage of the Civil War and began moving into the Reconstruction Era. My research thus far has been incredibly fascinating and I am so excited to get a chance to build out several episodes covering various aspects of this important and consequential historical period. I have several topics on my list to cover, but if you have anything you want to make sure I dive into, don’t hesitate to reach out. I have said this many times because I mean it: putting together listener requests are some of my favorite episodes. So keep the requests coming!
I also welcomed Dan Slater to the show where we discussed his recently published book, The Incorruptibles.1 It was a wonderful conversation and Slater does an incredible job covering a nuanced, complicated, and intricate historical story in an engaging way. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, be sure to check it out here.
I also launched the second episode of the Patreon series Civics and Cocktails. The latest chapter dives into the story of how school children were drafted as foot soldiers during World War I in the battle to save California crops. Their enemy? The ground squirrel. I first heard about this story while sitting in a U.S. history seminar while in grad school and I knew I had to dive into it at some point on the podcast - and it just felt like the perfect topic for the lighter Civics and Cocktails series. I may have also recorded a few season-appropriate episodes that I cannot wait for you to hear.
I hope you all enjoy October and all the spooky fun that comes with it. I cannot wait for Halloween night when I will see my nieces and nephew in their creative costumes - and walk with them while they trick or treat in the neighborhood. Despite being a fully grown adult, I always get a kick out of thinking up costume ideas and I even get my husband involved (much to his chagrin, but he is a good sport about it). I think I have a great couples costume for us this year that will require very little effort on his part, so I am sure he will be pleased. What is your favorite part of the Halloween season? Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message - I’d love to see how everyone else enjoys this time of the year.
Until next time, friends. I continue looking forward to our weekly cups of coffee together.
All the best,
Alycia
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