Pranks have always been humanity’s favorite escape, a chance to laugh, to rebel, and to step outside reality. Some of history’s biggest hoaxes didn’t just amuse, they fooled entire nations and left an unforgettable mark on popular culture.
Long before the internet, clever tricksters were pulling off stunts that had everyone talking, from a fast-food chain promoting a “left-handed” burger to a fake presidential campaign that made headlines. Others were even bolder, with fabricated military plans, made-up bands, and artists who never existed.
Click through the gallery to explore how easily society can be fooled and entertained by a clever idea.