War of the Worlds: Orson Welles' Alien Invasion Hoax – Detailed Summary

Episode Title: War of the Worlds: Orson Welles' Alien Invasion Hoax
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Podcast: Dan Snow's History Hit
Host: Dan Snow
Guest: Brad Schwartz, Writer and Historian

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, historian Dan Snow delves into one of the most infamous moments in broadcasting history: Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. Snow explores the intricacies of the broadcast, the public's reaction, and the enduring legacy of this event in the context of modern media dynamics.

Background of War of the Worlds

Dan Snow sets the stage by highlighting H.G. Wells' seminal work, War of the Worlds. Brad Schwartz provides a historical context, explaining that Wells serialized the novel in magazines starting in 1897 before its hardcover release in 1898. Schwartz emphasizes Wells' pioneering role in science fiction, noting:

"H.G. Wells is the one who comes up with that template. But it's really a combination of, on the one hand, this growing scientific consensus... and on the other hand, this fear of a terrestrial war."
— Brad Schwartz [06:52]

The episode underscores how Wells' narrative intertwined scientific exploration with contemporary geopolitical anxieties, particularly the looming threat of World War I.

The 1938 Broadcast

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre team aired their adaptation of War of the Worlds on CBS Radio. Dan Snow describes the innovative approach Welles took:

"This broadcast, I think, invents found footage, things like the Blair Witch Project. And this is the first time anybody's doing something like that."
— Brad Schwartz [19:30]

The dramatization was presented as a series of live news bulletins, complete with realistic sound effects and live reporting. Welles aimed to create an immersive experience, making listeners believe they were witnessing an actual alien invasion. Notable moments include the scene set in Grover's Mill, New Jersey, where the Martians land and unleash their devastating heat ray.

Public Reaction

Contrary to popular belief, the episode clarifies that the broadcast did not incite nationwide panic. Brad Schwartz provides a nuanced view:

"The short answer is no. Quite a few did, but not the entirety of the United States."
— Brad Schwartz [31:36]

Estimates suggest that out of an audience of approximately 6 million listeners, about 1 million believed the broadcast was real. Schwartz highlights that the majority of Americans were not tuned into Welles' highbrow program, instead preferring more popular shows like the Chase and Sanborn Hour.

However, localized hysteria did occur, particularly in tight-knit communities where misinformation spread rapidly:

"There are pockets where in many cases it was somebody in another part of the country calling a relative who lived in New Jersey... and they went."
— Brad Schwartz [35:46]

Letters sent to Welles revealed intense emotional responses from listeners who genuinely feared an alien invasion, despite the broadcast's limited reach.

Legacy and Lessons

The episode draws parallels between the 1938 broadcast and today's media landscape. Brad Schwartz discusses the enduring relevance of the War of the Worlds incident in the context of fake news and media manipulation:

"This is supercharging the same human psychological dynamics that are on display in this event."
— Brad Schwartz [43:01]

He emphasizes the importance of education and media literacy as defenses against misinformation:

"The only defense against that is to get people training themselves to be more skeptical, to be more discriminating about the information."
— Brad Schwartz [43:01]

Schwartz also touches on how the broadcast influenced public perception of media credibility and the susceptibility of audiences to persuasive misinformation.

Conclusion

Dan Snow wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to further explore the historical documents related to the broadcast. He references the University of Michigan's digitized letter archive and Brad Schwartz's book, Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News.

"They are one of the best archive letters I have ever read in my life. You've got to go over there. It's brilliant."
— Dan Snow [46:58]

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Storytelling: Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast pioneered immersive radio drama techniques that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.

• Limited Panic: While the broadcast is often mythologized as causing mass hysteria, contemporary research suggests the panic was localized and not as widespread as popularly believed.

• Media Influence: The incident serves as an early example of the power of mass media to influence public perception and behavior, a lesson that remains pertinent in the age of digital media and information overload.

• Educational Imperative: Enhancing media literacy and critical thinking is crucial in mitigating the effects of misinformation and ensuring a well-informed public.

Notable Quotes

• Brad Schwartz on H.G. Wells' Influence:

  "He is inventing the modern time travel story, the modern alien invasion story."
  — Brad Schwartz [05:45]

• Dan Snow on the Modern Relevance:

  "And that feels very modern as well. Like, we talk about how we are now dependent on the sea and the microscopic life in the world's ocean."
  — Dan Snow [13:13]

• Brad Schwartz on Public Reaction:

  "The people who fell for this broadcast in a lot of ways did so because it tapped into these fears and anxieties that they had."
  — Brad Schwartz [43:01]

Further Resources

• University of Michigan Letter Archive: Explore firsthand accounts of the broadcast's impact. [Link in show notes]
• Brad Schwartz's Book: Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News

This episode provides a thorough examination of the War of the Worlds broadcast, dispelling myths and highlighting its significance in both historical and contemporary contexts. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how media can shape public consciousness and the importance of discerning information in an increasingly complex media environment.