Main content

The secret history of Monopoly

In 1904, an American lady called Lizzy Magie patented a board game that became what we now know as Monopoly. But 30 years later, an unemployed man was credited with inventing it.

In 1904, a left-wing American feminist called Lizzy Magie patented a board game that evolved into what we now know as Monopoly. But 30 years later, when Monopoly was first marketed in the United States during the Great Depression, it was an out-of-work salesman from Pennsylvania who was credited with inventing it. Louise Hidalgo has been talking to American journalist Mary Pilon about the hidden history of one of the world's most popular board games, and to the economics professor Ralph Anspach who unearthed the story.

Picture: A family playing a game of Monopoly in the 1930s (Credit: SSPL/Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Boxing Day 201904:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Christmas Day 201908:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201912:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201913:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201916:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201918:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201921:50GMT
  • Christmas Day 201923:50GMT
  • Boxing Day 201903:50GMT
  • Boxing Day 201904:50GMT

Featured in...

Podcast