From family game nights to bitter rivalries flipped over a coffee table, Monopoly has been sparking joy and rage for generations. But where did this world-famous board game actually come from? In this episode, Dustin and Tristan dig into the surprising history of Monopoly, from its humble beginnings as The Landlord’s Game meant to teach about the dangers of greed, to Parker Brothers’ clever marketing, to how it became the world’s most infamous friendship-ruiner.
You’ll learn the strange twists of its creation, the legends that shaped its legacy, and how Monopoly became more than just a game... it became a cultural icon.
If you enjoy the show and want to help us keep bringing history to life (and maybe fund our own Monopoly empire), consider supporting us on Patreon. Subscribers get early access, bonus content, and more behind-the-scenes history fun. Join us at patreon.com/EverydayHistoryPodcast