Number 5: Thomas Edison Ends World Hunger
In 1878, the New York Graphic announced that Thomas Edison had invented a machine that would convert dirt into cereal and water into wine. Newspapers throughout America fell for the hoax and republished the article by the end of the day.
Number 4: Big Ben Gets a Makeover
In 1980 the BBC reported that Big Ben was going digital in order to keep up with modern technology.
Number 3: Lefties Need Whoppers, Too!
In 1998 Burger King ran an ad in USA Today promoting a new menu addition; the “Left-Handed Whopper” developed so lefties could enjoy their whopper as much as their right-handed counterparts. The ad claimed that all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees.
Number 2: Tacos Spell Freedom
In 1996 The Taco Bell Corporation conned the unsuspecting into believing it had purchased the Liberty Bell and would be renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Needless to say, the prank caused a nationwide outrage. Taco Bell revealed the April Fool’s joke hours later.
Number 1: Spaghetti Crop Growing Wild
In 1957, respected BBC news show Panorama announced that Swiss farmers were experiencing a bountiful spaghetti crop due to a mild winter that decimated the spaghetti weevil. Video of farms taking spaghetti off of trees accompanied the announcement. Hoards of Brits fell for the April Fool’s prank, some even calling the BBC asking how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.