The Power of Rumor: From Paris to the American Midwest

In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the power of rumors and how they can shape historical events. The episode begins by exploring a rumor in Paris during King Louis XV's reign, where it was believed that the king had become a leper and was bathing in the blood of children. This rumor led to protests and threats against the king, planting the seeds of the coming revolution. The episode then shifts to the American Midwest in 1779, where two men were executed for witchcraft by poisoning people. However, their executions were later sensationalized, and the rumors lingered, turning them into mythical figures. The speaker highlights the danger of rumor and emphasizes the importance of separating fact from fiction.