(May 3, 2021 at 5:10 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: In 1774, Frederick the Great ordered Prussians to grow potatoes as a hedge against famine. Peasants thought of potatoes as disgusting and refused. In response, Frederick had the Royal Potato Fields planted and patrolled by guards. However, the guards were under orders to be less than vigilant in their duties, to the point of letting people go who were caught stealing potatoes and even accepting bribes from those who wanted to steal the tubers. The result was the creation of the impression that potatoes were valuable, but remarkably easy to steal. His plan turned spuds into a major food crop.
Marketing genius, that man.
Boru
Not sure if I am impressed more by the cleverness of the Prussian king or the dumbness of the Prussians.
