Stuff You Should Know The History of Fake Towns.
Oct 18, 2022
Dive into the intriguing world of fake towns and their fascinating history. Discover how these artificial places served as propaganda tools throughout the ages, from Potemkin villages to WWII decoys. Learn about the quirky tactics used to mislead enemies, like whimsical street signs. Explore the transition of navigation from paper maps to digital apps, reflecting on their impact on modern life. Uncover how fake towns can also educate and simulate real-life scenarios, linking past events with current urban development discussions.
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Potemkin Villages
- Grigory Potemkin allegedly built fake villages to impress Empress Catherine II.
- Historians now believe this story is exaggerated, likely just a cleanup effort.
Potemkin Villages in Propaganda
- "Potemkin village" now describes any fake facade used for propaganda.
- North Korea's Peace Village (Kijŏng-dong) is a modern example.
Theresienstadt
- The Nazis disguised Theresienstadt, a concentration camp, as a spa town.
- This deception fooled the Red Cross, concealing the horrors within.
