14 Historical “Untruths” That Shaped the World
By: Omega Ukama
History, as we know it, isn’t always as clear-cut as we’d like to believe. Some of the stories passed down over generations have a way of twisting the truth, or even missing it entirely. Certain historical “facts” are rooted in tales or misunderstandings that have somehow embedded themselves in our collective memory, influencing how we see the world and each other. And here’s the wild part: these tales are often so ingrained that they shape everything from cultural beliefs to modern policies.
For instance, we’ve all heard how George Washington couldn’t tell a lie about chopping down a cherry tree, right? This story helped establish him as the embodiment of honesty, yet historians largely agree it’s a fabrication. Or consider the supposed “unsinkable” Titanic, which we know sank in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. These “untruths” have become part of our shared history, woven into our understanding of the past, despite not being fully accurate.
Let’s do a deep dive into 14 historical myths, exaggerations, and misconceptions that have shaped, and even reshaped, our world-views. You might be surprised by what you thought you knew.
1. George Washington and the Cherry Tree
We’ve all heard this: young George Washington chops down a cherry tree, then famously fesses up to his crime, declaring, “I cannot tell a lie.” But here’s the kicker, it’s a complete fabrication. Parson Weems, one of Washington’s early biographers, invented this tale to illustrate Washington’s honesty.
Even though it’s not true, this story reinforced Washington’s image as a man of integrity and a founding father who valued truth above all else. It’s proof that sometimes, a good story beats the truth when shaping a national hero.
2. The “Unsinkable” Titanic
The Titanic was famously dubbed “unsinkable,” a tragic irony that’s haunted the ship’s legacy. However, it wasn’t marketed this way by its creators. Instead, the myth likely emerged from misunderstanding promotional material and news reports.
The “unsinkable” narrative has since turned the Titanic into a symbol of human arrogance, illustrating that even the grandest feats of engineering can fall to nature’s power.
3. Marie Curie’s Glowing Lab
Marie Curie’s groundbreaking work with radium sparked the myth that she herself glowed due to her exposure to radioactive materials. While it’s true she worked with radioactive substances under primitive safety conditions, there’s no evidence that Curie or her lab glowed in the dark.
This myth has contributed to her reputation as a dedicated, fearless scientist, willing to take on danger for the sake of discovery, though it downplays the very real risks and tragedy she faced from radiation exposure.
4. Thomas Crapper Invented the Toilet
Contrary to popular belief, Thomas Crapper didn’t invent the toilet. He did, however, improve the flush mechanism and popularized sanitary plumbing. The flush toilet’s creation is credited to Sir John Harington in the late 1500s.
This myth has not only immortalized Crapper but also led to the slang term “crap” for something we discard. Talk about leaving a mark on history.
5. Cowboys and Ten-Gallon Hats
The image of a cowboy sporting a giant “ten-gallon” hat is iconic. But here’s the twist, those hats don’t hold ten gallons of anything. The term “ten-gallon” likely came from the Spanish “galón,” referring to the braided trim on the hat.
Despite this, the hat has become a symbol of the rugged American cowboy spirit, proving that myths sometimes make a bolder impression than the truth.
6. The Great Chicago Fire Started by Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow
Legend has it that the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was sparked by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow knocking over a lantern in a barn. Yet, no one knows the actual cause, and Mrs. O’Leary was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Blaming the fire on a cow created a story easy to share and remember, adding a touch of folklore to an otherwise grim disaster that reshaped Chicago.
7. Isaac Newton Was Hit by an Apple
The story of Isaac Newton discovering gravity after an apple bonked him on the head is widely told, but it’s only partially true. While Newton saw an apple fall, there’s no record of it actually hitting him.
This story simplifies the complexity of Newton’s theories, turning a groundbreaking scientific concept into an easy-to-grasp narrative.
8. Catherine the Great and the Horse
One of history’s most scandalous rumours is that Catherine the Great of Russia died in a bizarre accident involving a horse. This rumour is entirely false and likely spread by her enemies to tarnish her reputation.
It’s an example of how sensationalized myths can distort the legacies of powerful figures, often more memorable than the truth.
9. Toads Give You Warts
It’s commonly believed that touching a toad will give you warts. In reality, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, not toads. The myth probably arose from the warty appearance of some toads.
This myth has stuck around, reinforcing people’s natural aversion to these harmless amphibians.
10. Romans Vomited to Keep Eating at Feasts
The idea that ancient Romans would vomit so they could keep eating at lavish feasts is mostly a myth. While Romans were known for indulging, there’s little evidence they had special rooms for “purging.”
This story likely originated from a misunderstanding of Roman culture, painting an exaggerated picture of Roman decadence.
11. Albert Einstein’s Brain Size Myth
Some believe Albert Einstein’s genius was due to having a larger brain than the average person. However, studies have shown his brain was actually smaller than average in certain areas.
Einstein’s legacy as a “superhuman” intellect might be exaggerated, yet his contributions to science remain unmatched regardless of his brain’s physical attributes.
12. Abner Doubleday Invented Baseball
The story that Abner Doubleday invented baseball is a national myth, unsupported by evidence. The true origins of baseball likely stem from older bat-and-ball games played in England.
Doubleday’s association with baseball endures, showing how a simple narrative can shape national pride and identity.
13. The Sinking of the Lusitania as the Sole Cause of U.S. WWI Entry
While the German attack on the Lusitania certainly swayed U.S. opinion, it wasn’t the sole reason America entered World War I. It was just one of many factors that eventually led to U.S. involvement.
This simplified narrative is often used in textbooks, but the reality of U.S. entry into WWI is far more complex.
14. Christopher Marlowe Was Shakespeare
A conspiracy theory claims that playwright Christopher Marlowe didn’t actually die in 1593 but went on to write under the name William Shakespeare. There’s no historical evidence to support this theory.
After many years of analyses and research, however, Marlowe was found to have collaborated with Shakespeare on a few pieces. The myth persists among those who enjoy a good conspiracy, adding an air of mystery to one of literature’s greatest names.
