The Strangest Government Tactics From Historical Times

Throughout history, governments have employed a wide array of tactics to maintain control, exert influence, or achieve their objectives. Some of these methods have been unconventional, strange, or even bizarre. In this article, we’ll delve into the annals of history to explore five of the strangest government tactics that have been employed by various rulers and administrations. These tactics, though peculiar, shed light on the lengths to which governments have gone in pursuit of power, control, and dominance.

1. The Invention of Pigeon Post

In the ancient world, long-distance communication was a challenge. However, the Persian Empire devised an extraordinary solution known as a pigeon post. This unique system involved using trained pigeons to carry messages across vast distances. The birds were equipped with lightweight capsules containing rolled-up messages, and they would be released from one location to fly back to their designated roost. This method allowed for quick and efficient communication across the empire, enabling the ruling authorities to maintain control and swiftly relay information. While unconventional by modern standards, the pigeon post was a remarkable example of utilizing nature's resources to overcome communication barriers. The system proved effective and was used by various empires and civilizations, including the Romans and the Greeks.

2. The Soviet Union's "Bread Beauty Contest"

In the mid-20th century, the Soviet Union embarked on a campaign to increase wheat production. As part of this effort, an unusual tactic was employed: the "Bread Beauty Contest." The contest aimed to motivate collective farms and individual farmers to achieve higher yields by submitting samples of their best-quality wheat. These wheat samples were then displayed in grand exhibitions, where the most visually appealing loaf was crowned the winner. While the contest may seem peculiar, it served as a psychological tool to incentivize farmers and promote competition. By creating a sense of pride and recognition for producing high-quality wheat, the Soviet Union hoped to boost agricultural productivity and enhance its image as a leading agricultural nation.

3. The Mongol Army's Use of Decoy Tactics

The Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan and his successors, employed a range of unconventional tactics in warfare. One notable strategy was the use of decoy tactics. The Mongols would create a false retreat, enticing their enemies to pursue them eagerly. Once the enemy forces were scattered and exhausted, the Mongols would turn the tables, launching a counter-attack and annihilating their disoriented adversaries. This unconventional military tactic exploited the psychology of the enemy, leveraging their emotions and impulsive behavior. By luring their opponents into a false sense of victory, the Mongols were able to gain a significant advantage in battle and secure their dominance on the battlefield.

4. The British "Ghost Army" in World War II

During World War II, the British employed a peculiar tactic known as the "Ghost Army." This unit consisted of artists, designers, and engineers who were skilled in deception techniques. Their mission was to create inflatable tanks, dummy vehicles, and sound effects to mislead and confuse enemy forces. By deploying these decoy resources and employing strategic audio deception, the Ghost Army aimed to divert the attention and resources of the Axis powers away from actual troop movements and military operations. The Ghost Army played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces, particularly in the European theater. 

5. The Chinese Emperor's "Terracotta Army"

One of the strangest examples of a government tactic from ancient times is the creation of the Terracotta Army by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. To safeguard his rule in the afterlife, Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of a vast army of terracotta warriors and horses. These life-sized statues were intricately crafted and placed in underground pits near his tomb. This elaborate and unusual tactic served a dual purpose. On one hand, it acted as a symbol of the emperor's power and authority during his reign. On the other hand, it served as a means of protecting him in the afterlife, demonstrating his belief in the continuity of power beyond death. The Terracotta Army remains one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of our time.