Historian Beatriz Bragoni’s new book examines the struggle for control of public opinion following the May Revolution in Argentina. Bragoni details how early patriotic governments engaged in a contentious battle to monopolize the narrative of the revolution itself. This struggle wasn’t a simple pursuit of truth, but involved the deliberate spread of false information and manipulation. The book reveals a surprisingly early instance of “fake news” being deployed for political purposes. Bragoni’s research sheds light on the formative years of Argentine nation-building and the challenges of establishing a unified historical account. It highlights the importance of understanding how narratives are constructed and contested, even in the immediate aftermath of pivotal historical events. The work offers a compelling look at the nascent stages of political communication and its impact on shaping national identity.