Our media landscape, the breeding and feeding ground of questionable information, also has many similarities to the 18th century. The information wars of this earlier period not only provide perspective - they also provide a solution to the political divisions that disinformation campaigns seek to exploit: the need for renewed emphasis on education and a return to dispassionate behavior in the public square. In the world of the smartphone and Internet-fueled connectivity, it is hard to imagine that printed media such as pamphlets and newspapers were once mankind's fastest method to disseminate written information. It was in the 18th century that pamphlets reached their peak political influence. Pamphlets had become so central to shaping public opinion that they were frequently used by political actors in secret information wars against their enemies. Political revolutionaries in the 18th century had insights on how to defend against disinformation. Even the Founders, who rarely shied away from participating in the information wars of their age, believed a free press was essential to keep the republic they created. Read more