Ep. 268: News and misinformation in early America

This episode of So to Speak explores the role of misinformation and unreliable news in early America, particularly during the revolutionary era. Host Nico Perino and historian Jordan Taylor examine how colonists consumed news through conversation, letters, and newspapers that often reprinted foreign reports with little verification. Despite the limited number of newspapers—around 30 in the 13 colonies during the revolution—foreign news dominated content, reflecting a worldview shaped by European events. The episode reveals how both American revolutionaries and British authorities blamed misinformation for escalating tensions, with colonial governors exaggerating mob threats and British leaders claiming colonists were misled by radical propaganda. This communication breakdown, fueled by slow transatlantic travel and partisan media, contributed to the revolution’s outbreak. The discussion also traces how the Sedition Act of 1798 emerged from similar dynamics, as Federalists used fears of French revolutionary excesses—amplified by the XYZ Affair—to justify silencing Republican critics. Taylor argues that while some patriots deliberately spread propaganda, many were also misled by ideological biases and a new, untested media landscape. Ultimately, the episode underscores that the American founding was shaped not just by ideals, but by a fragile information ecosystem where truth was contested, and media literacy became a foundational civic challenge. The conversation concludes with reflections on modern parallels, suggesting that neither government control nor unregulated media offers a perfect solution—education and critical thinking remain the best long-term defense against misinformation. Key takeaways include: 1) Early American news relied heavily on unverified foreign reports, with newspapers often serving as political tools rather than truth-seeking institutions; 2) Misinformation wasn't just accidental—it was often strategic, used by both revolutionaries and loyalists to mobilize support; 3) The belief that leaders were being misled by false reports was central to both sides' narratives, fueling a cycle of distrust; 4) The Sedition Act of 1798 was a direct response to perceived threats from partisan press, showing how fear of misinformation can erode free speech; 5) Long-term solutions, like Thomas Jefferson’s vision of public education, remain the most sustainable way to build a resilient democracy in the face of unreliable information.