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Panic-Inducing Rumors Went Viral Ahead of the French Revolution

SciArt

Sep 29, 2025

1 min read

Researchers use the tools of epidemiology to trace how false tales spread from place to place, and provoked a revolt

Quick Summary

Researchers applied modern-day tools of epidemiology to trace how the rumors that provoked the “Great Fear” panic in the early days of the French Revolution spread.
The study suggests the Great Fear was a rational response to social and political conditions, not mass hysteria.

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