Who were the “miserable wretches”? What were two of the things that they did to Mexico?

Why would someone who is studying the history or culture of this time. find this text interesting important or useful?

Not all members of the radio audience of orson welles' war of the worlds broadcast panicked immediately. indeed, some didn't panic until they looked out of the window and saw empty streets; others didn't panic until they saw streets full of traffic. it was after checking out the situation that these citizens decided that the martians had indeed invaded earth. this example illustrates that contagion can result when people look to others for the interpretation of ambiguous situations . can result when cultural norms reinforce people's most likely responses. occurs primarily because humans are by nature irrational creatures. is especially likely when people are motivated to make independent decisions.

I'm in a few lessons on eastern europe and i need me don't leave me hanging. : {