where did propaganda come from?

Answer 1

The *term* "propaganda" did indeed first appear in 1622 when Pope Gregory XV established the "Sacred Congregation for Propagating the Faith".

But the *practice* of propaganda is of course much older.

"The Behistun Inscription (c. 515 BC) detailing the rise of Darius I to the Persian throne, can be seen as an early example of propaganda."

""The Arthashastra" written by Chanakya (c. 350 - 283 BC), a professor of political science at Takshashila University and a prime minister of the Maurya Empire [in ancient India EVT], discusses propaganda in detail, such as how to spread propaganda and how to apply it in warfare. His student Chandragupta Maurya (c. 340 - 293 BC), founder of the Maurya Empire, employed these methods during his rise to power."

"The writings of Romans such as Livy (c. 59 BC - 17 AD) are considered masterpieces of pro-Roman statist propaganda."

"Ancient propaganda", Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda#History_of_propaganda

"[Philip ] Taylor contends that propaganda is a phenomenon present throughout all human history: a constant in the same way as warfare is a constant. Taylor's early chapters highlight similarities between the ancient world and contemporary communication, as in his account of Alexander the Great's preoccupation with his image. Modern propagandists would do well to remember Aristotle's dictum that 'the truth tends to win out over the false.'"

"Munitions of the Mind: A History of Propaganda from the Ancient World to the Present Day.", Book review, Nicholas J. Cull (University of Birmingham), Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, Oct, 1996

The Assyrian king Sargon II (r. 722 BC-705 BC) created large relief sculptures at the borders of his empire, publicizing his strength and power.

Sun Tzu (c. 544 – 496 BC) in his work "The Art of War", also paid attention to The Art of Propaganda.

The Romans turned to the production of coins as a means to influence the populace. Coins would contain familial names, referenced genealogical ties, or emphasized mythological ties.

Interesting to know that Hitler in his book "Mein Kampf" states that he learnt the secrets of successful propaganda from the British in World War I.

Answer 2

The Word Propaganda Originated With

Answer 3

Propaganda has been used through out history in many different ways... Right back to the days of the persians way before Christs time and described spreading and applying propaganda in warfare..

The Romans, Russians (during cold war times) and more recently the Nazis did it as well.... All forms of media, leaflets, radio and books were written to fuel the propaganda message.

Answer 4

"Propaganda" is a form of the classical Latin verb "propagare," which means "to propagate, to extend, to spread." In 1622, shortly after the start of the Thirty Years' War, Pope Gregory XV founded the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide ("Congregation for Spreading the Faith"), a committee of Cardinals with the duty of overseeing the propagation of Christianity by missionaries sent to Catholic countries. Therefore, the term itself originates with this Byzantine Catholic Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (sacra congregatio christiano nomini propagando or, briefly, propaganda fide), the department of the pontifical administration charged with the spread of Catholicism and with the regulation of ecclesiastical affairs in non-Catholic countries (mission territory).

The actual Latin stem popagan- conveys a sense of "that which fought to be spread". Originally the term was not intended to refer to misleading information. The modern sense dates from World War I, when it evolved to the field of politics, and was not originally pejorative.

Answer 5

In the beginning. When examining the Bible, it talks about Eve and the serpent that tricked her. Propaganda. It's been around for a long, looong time.

Answer 6

I can't swear to it, but I think it was Hitler's idea. No...Hitler invented a method of using propaganda called ' The Big Lie', but really...I would guess the Christian church probably used it first.

Answer 7

In reference to all of history its hard to say the exact moment .

But in U.S history the first was a form of instigation by the Sons of Liberty printings of violations of liberties by Brits on Colonial Americans. Of which they sometimes exagerated on Massacres and certain "Acts".

The first used in a political race was done by the "Jacksonian Democratic" party in the election of 1829 for presidency. His party made him the "Peoples Choice" and was first to use "mudslinging"

Answer 8

religion is all propaganda, dont know if that's where it started but it's probably close

Answer 9

To me the word "propaganda" bring only one thing to mind "communism". Ugh!!!!

Answer 10

It`s as old as time . Another word for it is gossip.