A glimpse into the History of Propaganda

From Ancient Times to Modern Manipulation

Red Black and White Illustration depicting some newspaper cuts, with the phrase The History of Mind Manipulation (made by the author)

Propaganda, a term that often evokes images of manipulation and control, has been a powerful tool throughout human history. From ancient empires to modern states, propaganda has shaped public opinion, influenced wars, and controlled narratives. While its methods and mediums have evolved, its purpose remains the same: to persuade, influence, and sometimes deceive. This is about some light on the history of propaganda, examining its origins, the states that mastered its use, key theories, and infamous examples, including the Nazi regime under Joseph Goebbels.

All resources used and fact-checked are listed in the end of the article.

The Origins of Propaganda: Ancient Roots

The word “propaganda” originates from the Latin phrase
Congregatio de Propaganda Fide (Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith), established by the Catholic Church in 1622 to spread its doctrine. However, the practice of propaganda precedes this term by millennia. Ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, used propaganda to consolidate power and influence public opinion.

In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs commissioned grand monuments and tomb inscriptions to glorify their…