For generations, Monopoly has been America’s favorite board game, a love letter to unbridled capitalism and — for better or worse — the impulses that make our freemarket society tick. But behind the myth of the game’s creation is an untold tale of theft, obsession and corporate doubledealing. Contrary to the folksy legend spread by Parker Brothers, Monopoly’s secret history is a surprising saga that features a radical feminist, a community of Quakers in Atlantic City, America’s greatest game company, and an unemployed Depressionera engineer. And the real story behind the creation of the game might never have come to light if it weren’t for the determination of an economics professor and impassioned antimonopolist.

Part detective story, part sharp social commentary and part popculture celebration, RUTHLESS: MONOPOLY’S SECRET HISTORY presents the fascinating true story behind America’s favorite game.

#monopoly #boardgames #history #documentary

Official Website: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexpe... | #MonopolyPBS

© 2023 WGBH Educational Foundation

00:00 Prologue
03:49 The Official Story
04:41 AntiMonopoly is born
10:08 Lizzie Magie
13:12 Henry George
14:53 The Landlord’s Game
17:58 Ralph Anspach on the hunt
20:52 The folk game evolution
27:22 Charles Darrow’s real story
35:11 Monopoly in the Depression
36:58 The Monopolization of Monopoly
42:19 David vs. Goliath
47:10 Conclusion

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