Is Monopoly Socialist?

Is Monopoly Socialist?

From Part-Time Genius by iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

September 8, 2026 · 33 min · Season 3

About this episode

The episode explores the complex history of board games, including Monopoly's political shifts and connections to historical figures.

Turns out, the history of board games isn't as simple as passing Go and collecting $200. From the surprising way Abraham Lincoln's beard changed Milton Bradley's career, to the dramatic shift in Monopoly's political orientation, to the ancient Sumerian board game you can play online right now, today Will and Mango go wild game hunting... and come back with plenty of stories to tell.   This episode originally aired on January 6, 2025. Got a question or idea for the show? Call our hotline at (302) 405-5925 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @parttimegenius and Bluesky @parttimegenius.bsky.social ! Photo by Maria Lin Kim via Unsplash. Thanks, Maria! Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Will, Mango

Topics covered

  • board games
  • history
  • politics
  • Monopoly
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Sumerian games

Keywords

  • Monopoly
  • board games
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Milton Bradley
  • Sumerian games
  • political orientation
  • history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Milton Bradley

Books & works: Monopoly, ancient Sumerian board game

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