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How Did Monopoly Become So Popular In The 1930's

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Monopoly is a classic American board game that millions of people play every day. The overall objective is to buy and sell properties using capitalistic strategies and tactics. The origin of the game is controversial, as its true creator was Elizabeth Magie. However, Monopoly rose to fame during the Great Depression, when Charles Darrow claimed the rights to it and collaborated with Parker Brothers in 1935. It is no surprise the entertaining pastime became such a success during America’s worst economic downturn in history. While one cannot pinpoint exactly why Monopoly became so popular in the late 1930’s, several theories provide logical explanations for the phenomenon. Though Monopoly today has taken the concept of capitalism and placed it in a 20x20 package, the origins of the game promoted a far different concept. Elizabeth Magie, it original creator, was a stenographer in the late 1880s’s with very progressive beliefs. Most of her ideals stemmed …show more content…

Charles Todd, an old friend of his, claimed he had a way to temporarily relieve the stresses caused by the recession. He introduced the Darrrows to his self-made edition of the Landlord’s Game, which included all of Magie’s original aspects, such as Community Chest, Go, Free Parking etc . Darrow and his wife were so intrigued by the game that Todd offered to make them their own set. Darrow, determined to fashion a newer, better-illustrated version of Monopoly, requested a list of its rules. He befriended a talented cartoon artist , Franklin Alexander, and the two got along quite well. Eventually, Darrow revealed his plan, and the pair began to construct the little hotels and houses the game required . The men tested their product multiple times, with Alexander constantly adding different artwork and designs until both deemed it ready to sell. Darrow began to market his model, along with Todd’s instructions and Alexander’s improved

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