The true maker of monopoly
Her name was Elizabeth Magie, and in 1904 she was granted a patent for a board game she called The Landlord's Game. 📜
The game looked a lot like the Monopoly we know today. It had a circular path, properties for sale, and even a 'Go to Jail' space.
But Magie’s game had a much different purpose. She created it as a teaching tool to show the dangers of monopolies and how a few wealthy people could end up owning everything, leaving everyone else struggling.
She actually designed two sets of rules. One was the 'monopolist' version where the goal was to crush opponents through acquisition, which is the game we are all familiar with.
The second, forgotten, set of rules was the 'anti-monopolist' or 'Prosperity' version. In this game, all players benefited and shared the wealth when one person earned something. It was meant to demonstrate a more fair and equitable system. 🤔
Fast forward to the 1930s, an unemployed man named Charles Darrow began selling a simplified version of the game. He sold it to Parker Brothers, who then tracked down Elizabeth Magie.
They bought the patent for her Landlord's Game for just $500, with no future royalties. This move effectively secured their rights to the game and allowed them to credit Darrow as the sole inventor.
For decades, the story of Charles Darrow inventing the game in his basement was the official history, while Elizabeth Magie and her original, critical message were almost completely forgotten. 🎲
Sources: Magie’s 1904 patent, 1923 Chicago Tribune, Magie’s 1932 interview #HiddenFigures #WomenInHistory #BoardGameHistory #fblifestyle
