You're Wrong About Cola Wars with Miles Klee
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Dec 12, 2024 Miles Klee, a Rolling Stone writer, dives into the fierce rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He explores the nostalgic origins of Coca-Cola and its transformative marketing strategies, particularly its iconic holiday campaigns featuring Santa. Klee discusses Pepsi's tumultuous history and daring advertising tactics during tough times, revealing the racial dynamics entwined with their branding. The episode also covers wartime innovations, the chaotic aftermath of marketing blunders, and the broader cultural impact of the Cola Wars on American society.
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Civil War Origins
- Coca-Cola's origin is linked to the Civil War, with John Pemberton, a Confederate lieutenant colonel, creating it.
- Pemberton's morphine addiction, acquired from a saber wound, led him to develop French Wine Cola, a mix of wine and coca leaves.
Temperance Drink
- Initially containing cocaine, Coca-Cola was marketed as a temperance drink after Fulton County banned alcohol.
- Pemberton's partner, Frank Mason Robinson, created the iconic name and script, contributing significantly to the brand's success.
Pepsi's Purity Play
- Pepsi, initially called Brad's Drink, was created by Caleb Bradham with a focus on aiding digestion.
- It distinguished itself by containing no drugs or caffeine, capitalizing on growing concerns about addictive beverages.
